ABDO awards two Life Memberships and Medal of Excellence

Peter Black MBA FBDO FEAOO PGCAP FHEA and Julie Lees FBDO have been presented with Life Membership of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO). In addition, Dr Elizabeth (Lizzie) Bartlam BSc (Hons) FBDO CL (Hons) LVA SMC (Tech) has...

SeeAbility’s Martyn Howlett wins at Optician Awards 2024

SeeAbility are delighted to announce that Senior Dispensing Optician and Dispensing Team Lead Martyn Howlett has won Dispensing Optician of the Year at the 2024 Optician Awards. The awards have been running for over 25 years and are a mainstay...

Young visionaries win global competition by re-designing the Glasses of the Future

The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) celebrated UNICEF World Children’s Day by announcing the winners of ‘Glasses of the Future’, a global competition that invited children across the world to design the next generation of glasses. Lama...

College of Optometrists welcomes over 500 new optometrists to the profession at the 2024 Diploma Ceremonies

Last week, the College of Optometrists welcomed over 500 new optometrists to the profession in two College Diploma Ceremonies in Westminster on 12 November 2024, where new members were joined by their family, friends and peers. The ceremonies took place...

Announcing the UK’s premier event for the independent optical sector; The SightCare Conference and exhibition, 26 and 27 January 2025, Telford.

SightCare, the UK’s leading provider of business and networking services to independent optometrists and opticians, is excited to announce its 2025 conference dates and line up. The two-day event, scheduled for Sunday 26 and Monday 27 January 2025, is once...

SightCare Awards shortlist announced

SightCare, the UK’s leading provider of business and networking services to independent optometrists and opticians, is excited to announce the shortlisted entries to our prestigious awards, celebrating excellence in the independent optical sector. Now in their fifth successful year, the...

Spectacle Makers' Charity: Student Bursary Scheme opens for 2024-25 academic year

The Spectacle Makers’ Charity has this week opened applications for student bursaries for the 2024-25 academic year. Since launch, the bursary scheme has helped more than 120 students enrolled on degree and diploma courses in dispensing, orthoptics, optometry, ophthalmic imaging...

OSA welcomes new 100% Optical owners

The OSA has welcomed the new owners of 100% Optical, and looks forward to working with CLOSER STILL, following Media 10’s sale of the largest UK optical event. Roy Stoner, OSA Chair, expressed the view of the OSA Board: “CLOSER...

ABDO National Resource Centre secures new digital sponsor

The ABDO National Resource Centre (NRC) based in Birmingham has secured a new gold digital sponsor in Eyecare Education. Eyecare Education are a GOC-approved CPD provider who offer a range of professional education services. Their CPD conferences provide optometrists and...

From dry eyes to glaucoma: How the menopause impacts your eyes and what to do about it, according to an optician

Menopause, much like entering puberty, comes with hormonal disruptions that change a woman's body and behaviour. Some of the first visible side effects are hot flushes, weight gain, and acne, accompanied by behavioural symptoms like mood swings, insomnia, and brain...

Recognising responsibility, breakthrough design

Celebrating achievements in the international optical world, the 30th anniversary of the Silmo d’Or Awards was a spectacular event. Eyewear designers, international media and senior optical executives and VIPs were welcomed to the underground halls of the Carrousel du Louvre...

ABDO launches new course in paediatric eyecare

The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) has launched a new professional certificate in paediatric eyecare that will enable eyecare practitioners to develop advanced skills and knowledge in relation to many different aspects of paediatric eyecare, including myopia management. The...