Barry Duncan qualified as a dispensing optician in 1999, served on the ABDO board and was subsequently President from 2008 to 2010.

Since joining the ABDO executive team in 2012, Barry has overseen the reform of the Association’s organisation, the appointment of the new National Clinical Committee and spearheaded the drive for MECs accreditation for CLOs.

ABDO CEO, Tony Garrett said, "I am delighted that Barry has agreed to take on this enhanced role at what is an incredibly busy time for the Association and when we face considerable change in the months and years ahead."

Barry will retain his overall responsibility for policy and development but will be taking on a wider responsibility across the organisation to deliver the objectives of the ABDO board.

Barry Duncan said, "I am delighted to have this opportunity to take on extra responsibility within ABDO. This is an exciting time for the profession and our members and I look forward to contributing towards our continued success."

Julian lost his sight in 2010 to a retinal inherited disease and has a personal and professional interest in the daily battles being waged in hospitals and universities across the UK to prevent sight loss, treat eye disease, restore sight and improve the quality of life for patients through enhanced rehabilitation.

Accompanied and guided by members of the public, voluntary sector representatives and patient support groups, researchers, eye health and health care professionals, Julian will be visiting as many eye clinics, eye hospitals and community centres along the route as possible, sharing experiences with patients and practitioners and promoting the wonders of eye research.

Michael Potter, ABDO's head of marketing and communications, said “ABDO is delighted to support this worthy event and wishes all participants every success. The Association also encourages its members to become actively involved and contribute in any way they can.”

This fast track level 4 Diploma for Optical Technicians qualification is awarded by the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers.

The SMC (Tech) qualification is regarded by many as the ‘Gold Standard’ for the industry and will entitle qualified persons to use the letters ‘SMC (Tech)’ after their name.

This fast track course enables DOs to qualify in this area and thereby increase knowledge of production & glazing methods and broaden their skills and experience. This benefits the practice in terms of having additional qualified resource on hand to supplement the existing lab team and to provide cover for holidays and sickness when required.

The course covers the elements of glazing and the technician’s role that do not form part of the FBDO qualification. There are written assignments and a workshop on how to glaze. For experienced glazers there is no requirement to attend the workshop.

This course runs once a year and starts in January and leads to examinations in December. The examination will include three theory papers and a practical assessment. A theory revision day will be run towards the end of each course.

CET points
The distance learning element of this course consists of 10 papers, each one is worth 1 CET point.

The show organisers have to announced new features, covering all aspects of practice life and representing the entire optical sector for 2018.