The 2016 edition of the product manual of the Association of Contact Lens Manufacturers (ACLM) has now been published. It lists technical details for all the contact lenses, solutions and materials produced by ACLM member companies, and covers the overwhelming bulk of products available in the UK. It has become an essential product guide and handy reference for contact lens practitioners.

As is the case every year, there are plenty of new products and changes to parameters (of nearly 200 entries), and many older technology items have been removed. There are several articles designed to help practitioners improve the business aspects of running a successful contact lens practice, as well as handy reference tables.

Practitioners can download the order form from the home page of the ACLM website at www.aclm.org.uk.  Alternatively, join the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) and receive a free copy of the Year Book as part of the membership package. Visit www.bcla.org.uk or call 020 7580 6661 to join.

SuperBreak’s last minute breaks UK destinations not only include vibrant cities like London, Edinburgh and Manchester – ideal for fine dining and fab shopping – but also rural escapes to the likes of the Lakes, the Peak District and the pretty New Forest, perfect for enjoying the great outdoors!

ABDO members have access to a 10% discount on hotel accommodation with optional rail travel including Eurostar, flights, concert & events, theatre & dining, group bookings and much more!*

View more information to book your next break or call 01904 436 002 and quote HB937

Here’s a chance for an ABDO member to win a trip for two to Paris by entering the SILMO prize draw.

SILMO is described as the essential trade show for professionals in the optics/eyewear sector. Organised by optics manufacturers belonging to the SILMO Association, the SILMO trade show features exceptional
know-how made available to optics professionals.

To enter the prize draw all you have to do is email your name, ABDO membership and mobile number to silmoprizedraw@abdo.org.uk by 23:59 on Friday 19 August 2016.

The prize includes two economy flights from a UK airport to Paris and nights two accommodation, including breakfast, at the Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile on 23 & 24 September 2016.

The winner will be notified by Friday 26 August 2016.

Entrants into the Prize Draw shall be deemed to have accepted the Terms and Conditions

ABDO College offers a choice of two distance learning courses on the route to becoming a qualified dispensing optician:

Option 1
A two-year Foundation Degree course followed by a third year BSc Degree course in Ophthalmic Dispensing – leading to BSc (Hons) and the ABDO Level 6 FBDO qualifications.

Option 2
A three-year diploma course in Ophthalmic Dispensing – leading to the ABDO Level 6 FBDO qualification.

Course features

• Combines academic and work-based learning
• 32 weekly distance learning units in each academic year
• Four weeks block release at Godmersham in each academic year
• Block release accommodation can be provided
• Year 1 courses will commence in September 2016

Entry requirements

• Grade C or above GCSE in English, mathematics, science and two other subjects, including evidence of recent learning
• Applicants must be working in practice as a trainee dispensing optician for a minimum of 30 hours per week and have the support of their employer

For further information and application forms please contact the ABDO College Courses Team on 01227 738 829 (Option 1) or email info@abdocollege.org.uk

A comprehensive education programme focused on driving up skill levels among the non-regulated workforce within the optical sector

WCSM courses range from Level 2 Optical Support to Level 4 Optical Technicians (and soon to be available a Level 4 Diploma for Optical Assistants). The programme also includes Fast Track Technician Training for FBDOs.

WCSM courses now available from ABDO College:

• Level 2 & Level 3 Optical Support
• Level 2 & Level 3 Diploma in Optical Retail Skills
• Level 2 & Level 3 Diploma in Manufacturing Spectacles
• Level 4 Diploma for Optical Assistants*
• Level 4 Diploma for Optical Technicians
• Fast Track Technician Training for FBDOs

Qualifications Accredited in Scotland

• Level 5 & Level 7 Certificate in Optical Care

For further information and application forms, or to request a copy of the WCSM Courses Prospectus, please call the courses team at ABDO College 01227 738 829 (Option 1) or email info@abdocollege.org.uk

*New course soon to be available