The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) held our graduation ceremony for dispensing opticians (DOs) and contact lens opticians (CLOs) at Canterbury Cathedral on 12 May. The special event sees graduands approach the dais one by one to be congratulated by ABDO’s director of...

ABDO College are currently recruiting for apprenticeship coaches to join the team from mid July. Maximum 3 days a week £28,000-£33,000 (pro rata for PT roles, with roles ideally 0.6fte) Primarily remote but some occasional travel to ABDO College, Godmersham Park and/or...

  Training a registered dispensing optician (DO) brings expert care and professional standards of service into your business – boosting your reputation and aiding staff retention.  The FBDO course (Fellowship of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians) takes three years and is...

This year marks a special milestone — 25 years of ABDO College — and we’d love for you to be part of the celebration. We’re looking to showcase both past and present students and highlight what makes ABDO College such an exceptional place to study. If you’d like to take part in our...

It’s time to take charge of your future and develop your career with ABDO College. Registration for all courses open 30 March.  Whether you are just starting out or a fully qualified professional looking to specialise, we have an option that will help you to flourish.  Our courses are...

Ofsted has praised ABDO College for its apprenticeship provision in the recent new provider inspection. It recognised progress made across all key areas, highlighting the College’s strong leadership, high‑quality curriculum design, commitment to inclusion, and effective safeguarding...

National Careers Week is the perfect opportunity to shine a light on the rewarding and varied career options available within the optical sector. As the UK’s only college dedicated exclusively to the training of dispensing opticians and optical support staff, ABDO College is uniquely placed to...

Come along to the ABDO College stand at 100% Optical this weekend to meet the trustees and find out more about getting involved with the home of education in dispensing optics. We are looking for ABDO members who want to help guide the development of student dispensing opticians. Could you play...

Why did you choose the apprenticeship pathway? We heard that ABDO were launching an apprenticeship programme for 2024 intake, and as a forward-thinking independent group we already had an OA who was interesting in becoming a DO. We ultimately decided upon the apprenticeship route to help with...

What inspired you to become a dispensing optician? From a young age I have always wanted to become an optometrist after getting a Saturday job in optics while studying for my A levels I discovered there were other paths in optometry than just going to university. After finishing my A-levels I...

To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, ABDO College is excited to host a special “Introduction to Apprenticeships” webinar. Whether you’re a prospective student exploring your next step or an employer interested in supporting future dispensing opticians, this session will give you...

ABDO College will be exhibiting at the UK’s premier eyewear and eyecare show, 100% Optical. Running from 28 February to 2 March, the event offers you the chance to see the latest trends, with four catwalk shows a day. Attend lectures and workshops to develop your clinical expertise and enjoy the...