View this mailer in your browser
ABDO on Twitter
Association News
9 July 2014
Issue 141
Not seen EYE TV yet? Click here »
Maisie has Down’s Syndrome and loves her little red specs – click here to view more
Optical Confederation welcomes Which? consumer report on opticians

The Optical Confederation has welcomed the latest report from consumer magazine Which? on public satisfaction with eye health provision in the community.

The report involved more than 5,000 Which? members about their experiences visiting optometrists and opticians to have sight tests and buy spectacles and/or contact lenses in the past three years.

The survey includes UK-wide chains, supermarkets and independent stores with the scores based on time-keeping, staff communication, staff skills, customer service, product rage, store environment, product quality, special offers, price, and value for money.

Levels of public satisfaction peak at 88 per cent based on customers’ satisfaction with the store on their last visit and the likelihood of recommending it to a friend. The survey reveals that local independent stores came top in the polls with a customer score of 88 per cent with members-only store Costco coming second with a score of 86 per cent.

Read More
LOCSU Guidance for LOCs on responding to the NHS England’s Call to Action Read More
Lone working guidance: keeping providers and patients safe Read More
GOC recognised as meeting all the Standards of Good Regulation Read More
New research investigates physical activity among older people with sight loss Read More
Optometry Giving Sight forms partnership with Vision Care for Homeless People Read More
Membership benefits: HotelStayUK – hotel accommodation
Whether it’s a room for a night in a vibrant city or a romantic break at a spa hotel, HotelStayUK work with over 80,000 UK, European and worldwide hotels to provide great offers directly to ABDO members.

With discounts ranging from 10% to 60% on hotels and short breaks worldwide, they’re sure to find a booking to suit your needs*.

View more information or call 08445 007 106 quoting ABDO

*Terms and conditions apply. See website for details. Offers subject to change without notice.
ABDO Area 4 (East Anglia) - Wednesday 30 July 2014

ABDO Area 4 (East Anglia) are pleased to invite you to a CET event sponsored by Alcon.

Up to 6 interactive CET points available

Time: 6.30pm buffet, for 7.00pm start

Location: Novotel Hotel, Knebworth Park, Stevenage, Herts SG1 2AX

This event is open to all ABDO members

Read More
ABDO College vacancy - Head of Operational Services (Salary up to £45K)

ABDO College is looking for a team leader with exceptional management and administrative skills to be Head of Operational Services at ABDO College.

Reporting directly to the College Principal the successful applicant will be professionally qualified to at least FBDO level and registered with the General Optical Council or have relevant managerial experience, be able to demonstrate and have an interest in optical education.

The successful applicant will lead a small experienced team delivering a number of key functions of the College:

The department is responsible for enrolling, supporting and servicing all students on ABDO College blended and distance learning courses. These include the FBDO programme, the BSc (Hons) course in conjunction with Canterbury Christ Church University, contact lens and low vision courses as well as Access and other courses that are run from time to time. Members of the team attend a number of recruitment opportunities during the year to promote the courses. An ability to work flexibly to include occasional evenings and weekends would be essential.

You will deal with major employers as well as independent practice owners, liaise with tutors and supervisors and have overall responsibility for all documentation within the department including assisting with the preparation of documents for official GOC visits. You will also work closely with our university partner so an understanding of the higher education framework would be an advantage.

In addition the department handles the ABDO student accommodation block and all bookings, as well as having responsibility for the ABDO College Bookshop.

In order to take on this responsible position you will need to demonstrate key leadership skills, an ability to think strategically, a willingness to go the ‘extra mile’ to get the job done and to share the ethos of both the College and the Association that we strive to be the best in all that we do.

Applications should include a full CV, a letter setting out your suitability for the position and the names and addresses of three referees. This should be addressed to:
Jo Underwood, Principal, ABDO College, Godmersham Park, Godmersham, Canterbury, Kent CT4 7DT

For any additional information or to discuss the post, telephone Jo on 01227 733 906 or email junderwood@abdocollege.org.uk.

Closing date for receipt of applications: 5pm on Thursday 22 August 2014

It is anticipated that interviews will take place in September 2014.

Foundation Degree/BSc (Hons) in Ophthalmic Dispensing

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.

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
  • Access to supplementary web-based interactive tutorial presentations
  • Block release accommodation can be provided
  • Year 1 courses will commence in September 2014

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 contact the ABDO College Courses Team on 01227 733 911 or email info@abdocollege.org.uk
Optoms Cycling for Sight
The hugely popular annual cycle challenge Optoms Cycling for Sight (OC4S) is entering its fourth year and taking place this summer to help raise funds for Optometry Giving Sight. The event supports OGS’ main global campaign, the World Sight Day Challenge.
Click here to find out how you can get involved
Unsubscribe       Disclaimer ©2014 ABDO. All rights reserved