The Association of British Dispensing Opticians has negotiated with HMCA to offer discounted rates for medical plans, dental plan, cash plans, personal accident plan, travel plan, income protection and vehicle breakdown products.

Are you paying too much for your present private medical plan? Why not take a look at the HMCA plans and compare the benefits and subscriptions offered? You may transfer to HMCA at any age and without a medical examination; there will be no break in protection and there is a 14 day money-back guarantee.

HMCA only offer medical plans to membership groups and can offer up to a 40% discount off the underwriter’s standard rates. This is a comprehensive plan which provides generous cash benefits for surgery and other charges.

Who are HMCA? - HMCA has specialised in providing benefits and services to associations and professional groups since the 1970s. HMCA is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

For further information and quotations contact HMCA by telephone on 01423 799 949 or visit the exclusive HMCA Association of British Dispensing Opticians website: https://www.hmca.co.uk/abdo.

Following a review of staffing and future needs, a new post has been created in the ABDO Membership Services department.

The position of Membership Officer has been established to help and support the Head of Membership conduct and fulfil the executive functions of the department.

ABDO is seeking to recruit an ambitious and enthusiastic, qualified dispensing optician to this post.

£14.39 per hour plus pension benefits

Osborne Harle Ltd is a small specialist optometry practice in Tonbridge Kent. We offer both community ophthalmology and primary eye care clinics. We are staffed by two optometrists and two part time dispensing opticians. One of our dispensing opticians is now retiring and we are looking to replace her part time position with a full time role.

The successful candidate will work with our optometrist to provide excellent spectacle dispensing advice and services. They must be an ABDO member and GOC registered.

We can be flexible with working days and hours though most Saturday mornings will need to be worked. We have a pension scheme and staff can have all their optical appliances at cost.

For more information contact:

Dr Deacon E Harle, Osborne Harle Ltd, 1-3 Martin Hardie Way, Tonbridge TN10 4AE

Due to changing demographics the demand for specialist low vision services is steadily increasing. By enhancing your low vision skills you can greatly help others, which is both valuable and extremely rewarding. ABDO College's Low Vision Honours Course includes the theory and practical aspects of low vision consultation and fully prepares candidates for the ABDO Level 6 FBDO (Hons) LVA examinations. Distance learning assignments are complemented by a short block release at ABDO College to reinforce practical skills and routine.

• Course commences: January 2018
• Method: Blended learning
• Entry requirements: ABDO Level 6 Fellowship Diploma in Ophthalmic Dispensing (FBDO) and GOC registration
• Duration: 25 weeks
• Block release accommodation can be provided

Application deadline: December 2017

ABDO College’s Access Courses are designed to help prospective dispensing optician students to meet the necessary entry requirements. They are also a useful refresher for those who have been out of education for a while. The entry requirements for the ABDO College Level 6 Fellowship Dispensing Diploma (FBDO) and Foundation Degree/BSc (Hons) courses are five GCSEs at grade c or above, which must include English, mathematics and a science subject. Each Access course is considered the equivalent of one GCSE. The Access Courses are available in the five key subjects of English, Mathematics, Optics and Dispensing, Human Biology and General Science.

• Courses commence: February 2018
• Method: Distance learning
• Candidates should ideally be educated to GCSE standard and possibly have already attained some of the GCSEs required for enrolment to dispensing courses
• Duration: Approximately 20 weeks

Application deadline: January 2018