The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) has published the findings of its recent Pay and Reward Survey, providing detailed insight into salaries, benefits, professional recognition and career progression across the profession.
The survey, which had a 27% response rate, shows that dispensing opticians (DOs) and contact lens opticians (CLOs) feel undervalued and often lack structured development pathways.
Key findings
Pay varies significantly by employer type, region and additional responsibilities.
With nearly 70% of respondents feeling that their pay and benefits do not reflect their responsibilities, there is a clear need for improved recognition and reward across the sector.
How ABDO is responding
Using the survey insights, ABDO is developing a programme of work to support members and engage with employers to encourage change.
1. A pay benchmarking tool for members
An online tool will be developed to allow members to compare their salary with anonymised averages based on region, role, employer type and responsibilities – supporting evidence‑based conversations about pay and progression.
2. Stronger engagement with employers
ABDO will be meeting with employers of all sizes to discuss the findings and highlighting areas for action, including:
- focus on the gender pay gap
- seeking improved recognition for DOs and CLOs
- strengthening links between qualifications, responsibility and reward
- developing clearer, more consistent progression pathways
3. New resources to support members’ development
ABDO will be producing practical guidance to help members prepare for pay and reward discussions, showing how responsibilities and qualifications link to progression, and providing learning and development opportunities through ABDO membership and other partners.
4. Championing the profession collectively
By sharing data openly and working collaboratively across the sector, ABDO aims to improve recognition of the vital role DOs and CLOs play in patient care and practice performance.
Commenting on the pay and reward survey, Alistair Bridge, ABDO chief executive, said: “This research gives us the clearest picture yet of the challenges and opportunities around pay and recognition in our profession. Our members bring exceptional skill, commitment and care to patients every day and it’s vital that this is reflected in how they are valued and rewarded. We’re using these insights to develop new tools, support and guidance to help members advance their careers and strengthen their recognition.”
Read the Pay and Reward Survey here.
