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Association News
15 March 2016
Issue 177
ABDO board - Election of directors 2016

There will be three board places open for election in 2016. Two seats are currently held by members entitled to seek re-election, they are Anthony Blackman and Peter Black (who will not be standing for re-election and as immediate past President will serve as an advisor to the board). In addition, a vacancy has arisen due to Jennifer Brower completing the maximum term of 12 years.

Nominations are sought from fully qualified members of the Association who wish to make a meaningful contribution to the future of the profession.

All candidates will be asked for a submission of up to 500 words in which they are asked to detail any relevant experience they can bring to the board and outline their aspirations for the future of ABDO.

Completed nomination papers should be returned to the General Secretary, ABDO,199 Gloucester Terrace, London W2 6LD no later than 10am on Thursday 9 June 2016.

Those elected will take up their duties on Friday 30 September 2016. Their period of office will be for three years.

Click here to find out more and to download the election notice & nomination form

ABDO NCC and Regional Leads

Be part of the new structure!

There’s a role you can play in the new way we operate.

National Clinical Committee Member

In light of the decision taken by the ABDO to restructure some of the existing committees, members are invited to be part of the new structure by applying for a position on the newly formed National Clinical Committee (NCC).

Applications are invited from enthusiastic passionate professionals who would like to be at the forefront of professional development for dispensing opticians. Additionally, those who may possess skills in education, community pathways and have a genuine desire to explore opportunities that would see dispensing opticians expand their scope of practice would be welcome to apply.

Regional Lead and Sub Regional Lead

In light of the decision taken by the ABDO to nationally restructure from areas to regions, members are invited to be part of the new structure by applying for the positions of Regional Lead and Sub Regional Lead in their respective region.

From January 2017, ABDO will be divided into the following regions: ABDO Scotland, ABDO Wales, ABDO Northern Ireland, ABDO North of England, ABDO Midlands, ABDO London, ABDO South.

Within each region, the Regional Lead will be supported by Sub Regional Leads who between them will cover a large geographical area looking after the interests of ABDO members.

 

Click here to find out more and how to apply for the roles outlined above

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Cardiff University accredited as first provider of Professional Diploma in Glaucoma Read More
Smokers up to four times more likely to develop AMD than non-smokers Read More
Government freezes sight test fees
The Government has announced its intention to freeze NHS sight test fees in England at 2015-16 levels for 2016-17.

The continuing education & training (CET) grant will however increase by 1% and the grant to train pre-registration optometrists by 1%.

The government has also announced an increase in patient voucher values for 2016-17 of 1%.

It is anticipated that the new fees and grants will come into effect on Monday 4 April 2016.

Read More
What's new in EyecareFAQ?

New in EyecareFAQ, you’ll find an 'eyecare at home' infographic to share

Get involved with EyecareFAQ, ABDO’s campaign to help consumers learn more about looking after their eyes, and the role of the registered dispensing optician.

You can use any of the EyecareFAQ answers, images and infographics on your own blog or website. Follow, like and share these useful resources on your practice and personal social media channels, to help the public learn about eyecare and promote the role of the registered dispensing optician.

You can find EyecareFAQ at:

Or visit the EyecareFAQ section of the ABDO website and promote the role of the registered dispensing optician

Click here to access the infographic embedded code
Cinemas – Save an average of 40%
Want to catch the latest blockbusters on the big screen, and save money on tickets?

ABDO members can save an average of 40% on cinema tickets at major cinema chains like Vue, Cineworld, Showcase and Empire as well as many independent cinemas including Hollywood Cinemas and Picturehouse*.

*Terms and conditions apply. See website for details. Offer subject to change without notice. Discounts vary between cinema venues. Please check when booking. Savings calculation correct as at December 2015 (based on peak pricing at Cineworld O2 Greenwich). This ABDO membership benefit is managed on behalf of ABDO by Parliament Hill Ltd.

Order Tickets
ABDO CET - Carlisle

REGISTER NOW PLACES STILL AVAILABLE

6.30pm, FRIDAY 18 MARCH 2016

Premier Inn Carlisle (M6 Jct. 44), Parkhouse Rd, Carlisle CA3 0JR

Up to 6 interactive CET points available

Click here for more information and to regsiter online
ABDO gala dinner

SUNDAY 10 APRIL 2016 • HILTON BIRMINGHAM METROPOLE 

ABDO will hold it's 2016 Gala Dinner, during Optrafair, on Sunday 10 April at the Kings Suite, Hilton Birmingham Metropole.

The event will commence at 7.15pm with a drinks reception, followed by the gala dinner at 8.00pm, which will feature the presidential handover and awards.

Tickets are £80.00 per person and include pre-dinner drinks, a three course meal, wine with the meal and dancing to a live band.

Click here to book your tickets online
Fast Track Technician Training for FBDOs

The Fast Track Technician Training for FBDOs course leads to the SMC (Tech) qualification awarded by The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers.

The course covers the elements of glazing and the technician’s role that do not form part of the FBDO qualification. There are 18 written assignments and a workshop on how to glaze.

CET points
The distance learning element of the course has been approved for 7 CET points and those who attend the glazing workshop will be awarded a further 6 CET points.

Click here to find out more
Distance learning tutors required

ABDO College is looking to recruit a number of distance learning tutors.

A training course will run for successful applicants from August to December 2016, with a view to taking on your first students in February 2017.

Applicants must have passed the ABDO Level 6 ophthalmic dispensing final theory examination (FQE) at the first attempt.

If you would like to apply, please email Claire Raffill at craffill@abdocollege.org.uk for application forms and questionnaires.

ABDO at Optrafair 2016
As an official event partner ABDO will have a prominent presence at Optrafair 2016
  • ABDO AT THE ASSOCIATION LOUNGE
  • ABDO CET AT THE ABDO CET THEATRE
  • ABDO ANNUAL MEETINGS AT THE ABDO CET THEATRE
  • DISPENSING OPTICS AT THE ASSOCIATION LOUNGE
  • ABDO COLLEGE AT STAND Q68
  • ABDO COLLEGE NEW TUTOR MEETING AT CONCOURSE SUITE 34
  • ABDO GALA DINNER AT THE HILTON BIRMINGHAM METROPOLE
Click here to find out more about ABDO at Optrafair 2016
There's some great deals to be had if you travel to the NEC by train and book in advance!

The NEC is right next to Birmingham International rail station, so you can get to Optrafair quickly and conveniently, without having to step outside!

  • 25% discount off Virgin Trains Advance fares*

Click here for more information about travelling to the NEC

*Terms and conditions apply
Vision Van tour highlights importance of eye tests

Thousands of people who may have the sight-threatening condition glaucoma without their knowledge were reminded of the importance of an eye test when the Vision Express ‘Vision Van’ visited five locations. The specially-equipped mobile clinic was on tour in support of World Glaucoma Week, March 6-12.

The Vision Van visited Nottingham, Bristol, Truro, Reading and Birmingham over five days during World Glaucoma Week. Some people took the opportunity to book a free eye test on the Vision Van, while others took away vouchers entitling them to a free test in their local Vision Express store. Of those tested on board, 70 per cent needed a new prescription – further emphasising the importance of regular checks.

Read More
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