Association of British Dispensing Opticians

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ABDO College

www.abdo.org.uk

Godmersham Park

Godmersham

nr Canterbury

KENT

CT4 7DT

T: 01227 738829

F: 01227 733900

E: GENERAL@ABDO.ORG.UK

ABDO was formed in 1986 when its two predecessors, The Association of Dispensing Opticians and the Faculty of Dispensing Opticians, were merged following the Health and Social Security Act of 1984. The profession of dispensing opticians has been regulated voluntarily since 1926 and, as a statutory profession, by the Opticians Act since 1958. Since such time the conduct of dispensing opticians has thus been regulated partly by legal provisions, by advice given by the General Optical Council, and by ABDO’s own Advice to Fellows.

Today

ABDO currently represents over 5,300 qualified dispensing opticians in the United Kingdom, (400 overseas), some 2,000 students worldwide, and over 400 Associate members.

Objectives

The objectives of the Association are:

To support, protect and advance the character, status and interests of dispensing opticians.

The advancement, for the benefit of the public, of the science and art of dispensing optics and promotion of research into such science and art, provided that the useful results of any such research is disseminated for public benefit.

In furtherance of such objectives ABDO has, among others, the following powers:

* To promote the better education and training of dispensing opticians.

* To encourage the study, and improve the practice, of dispensing optics.

* To encourage suitable standards of education in dispensing optics, and to establish, continue and adjudicate a system of qualifying and higher examinations.

* To enter into any arrangements with any authorities that may seem conducive to the interests of ABDO.

* To disseminate among members and others, information on all matters affecting dispensing optics, and publish written material as appropriate.

* To give the legislative, public bodies and others, facilities of conferring with, and ascertaining the views of, persons engaged in the optical dispensing profession.

In 2001 The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) established its own College, ABDO College, as a centre of excellence raising the standards in optical education for the whole profession.

Offering a range of courses through Access, Diploma, Degree, Advanced and Honours, ABDO College provide members of the Association with quality programmes leading to ABDO examinations.

ABDO College specialises in the provision of blended and distance learning education for the optical profession. Devotion and care are coupled with extensive professional knowledge to equip students with the understanding and skills for their chosen progression. ABDO College has an impressive reputation for high standards and exemplary pass rates.

DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES

What does the coursework involve?

Courses consist of a series of assignments, or units. Students are issued the units at the beginning of the course year, and allocated a tutor. The units must be completed weekly and sent to the student's tutor for marking. Tutors are available to give advice and assist the student, and will issue two progress reports during the year. Additionally, UK and Irish students on the dispensing courses must attend four weeks' block release (residential course) annually at the ABDO College of Education in Kent. Dispensing students must be employed for a minimum of 30 hours per week in a dispensing practice, under the supervision of a registered dispensing optician (qualified at least two years) or optometrist. The supervisor has an obligation to assist the student, especially to see that s/he receives adequate practical instruction and training. Supervisors are given a copy of the student's progress reports. The student will be able to apply for the appropriate ABDO examination on successful completion of the coursework and attending the block release courses. If a course student is the subject of an adverse report from his/her tutor, or consistently fails to submit course work on time, the student may be withdrawn from the course, or be refused admission to the examination.

To what extent is my employer involved?

Employers have an obligation to assist the student, especially to see that s/he receives adequate practical instruction and training. Employers are given a copy of the student's progress reports.

Are there any extra costs?

The ABDO fee covers the dispatch of course material to the student and the allocation of tutors. The student must also allow for other costs such as ABDO MEMBERSHIP, textbooks (approximately 350-450 for the first year dispensing course), postage of assignments to course tutors, examinations fees, and Block Release fees (college fees, accommodation and subsistence, travel, etc).

How do I know which course is right for me?

Although there is a minimum standard of education required to enter the dispensing course, students embarking upon a career in dispensing optics come from many different backgrounds - some have recently left school or college, while others will have studied in other disciplines, or decided upon a change of career. Some may not have undergone any form of study for a considerable time. Study by distance learning requires a special kind of self-discipline. Presentation of course work for assessment is very important in order to ensure that tutors can help students through the course work and to prepare them for examination. Time can often be lost at the beginning of a course by students not submitting work in an acceptable form or according to schedule. In addition, Geometry, Trigonometry, Algebra and Optics covered in GCSE Maths and Science will not have been studied in such specific detail as that covered in the level of a first-year dispensing optician's course.

Any student lacking the pre-requisite qualifications in Mathematics, a general Science subject, or in English may be interested in ABDO's Access Courses.

When do I pay the fees?

Full payment or a deposit of £100 must accompany the application form, or, if the employer has agreed to pay the fees, an invoice will be issued, which must be paid in full one month before the course commences.

If I decide the course isn't for me will I get a refund?

Students withdrawing from any course within three weeks of the course commencement date will be entitled to a refund of the course fees less a £150 administration charge. Students withdrawing from any course more than three weeks after the course commencement date, whether of their own accord, or by decision of their tutor, are not entitled to any refund of fee. Refunds are only issued subject to prior return of literature and stationery sent.

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