ABDO has produced an updated version of its ‘Pathway for dispensing to children’ guide.

Whilst the importance and significance of dispensing accurately fitting spectacles to children is widely recognised as a key function, the intention of the guide is to offer a more comprehensive pathway to ensure the highest standards of dispensing are achieved on every occasion.

A hard copy of the guide will be distributed to ABDO members with the June issue of Dispensing Optics.

Richard Whittington has said that he is confident the sector can hit its 2018 Breakthrough target despite the recent slow-down in commissioning decisions. Outlining LOCSUs progress against its published Breakthrough Strategy – for the first time via his video blog – LOCSU’s chief operating officer insists that the introduction of Sustainable Transformation Plan (STPs) footprints is a welcome development for the optical sector.

The June 2017 issue of Re:View features in-depth information relating
to the new BSc (Hons) Vision Science course.

ABDO College is currently in the process of systematically making all of its courses available online, hence the ‘How to learn online feature’ will provide some useful tips for students already using, or about to use, a Virtual Learning Environment.

The control of myopia progression is a topical issue at the moment and the research by Adrienne Richards outlines effectiveness of Ortho-k for children.

The demand for low vision services has never been higher and is predicted to increase considerably in the years ahead. All dispensing opticians have covered the topic in their studies leading to FBDO qualification, and low vision is CET core competency; however, although many DOs have the will to become more involved, it’s often difficult to know where to start, therefore the ‘How to develop your low vision skills and practice’ article may point you in the right direction.

A DO working in an independent practice often has additional responsibilities compared with those employed by a multiple and in this issue we share some useful tips on how to adapt.

COURSE STARTS IN SEPTEMBER 2017

Provided by ABDO College working in conjunction with Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU), the new BSc (Hons) in Vision Science course is designed for fully qualified dispensing opticians who wish to gain a profession specific degree and acquire graduate skills that can be applied to the workplace.

• A unique opportunity for dispensing opticians to ‘top-up’ to a degree whilst still working in practice
• Designed for those with the FBDO diploma who want a profession specific degree
• A collaborative programme between ABDO College and CCCU
• Online distance learning via CCCU’s Virtual Learning Environment
• Study at a time that suits you 24/7
• No travel or accommodation costs, no books to buy, no exams to take
• Flexible timeframe – 18 months is the suggested time, but you have up to three years
• Mix of assessments, essays, poster, leaflet, case study, workplace project…
• Three compulsory modules and three optional modules from a list which includes contact lenses and low vision
• Applications open in June 2017 for a course start date in September 2017

Applicants should have the ABDO Level 6 Diploma in Ophthalmic Dispensing (FBDO) qualification and have current ABDO membership.

For more information and to register your interest call the courses team at ABDO College on 01227 738 829 (Option 1) or email info@abdocollege.org.uk