18 April 2016
The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) and ITN Productions have partnered to launch a news and current affairs-style programme for the third consecutive year.
The new programme, ABDO Insight 2016, explores the latest innovations and the changing role of dispensing opticians. It was premiered at Optrafair last week (9–11 April, Birmingham NEC).
Introduced by national newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky, the programme features interviews with key industry representatives, as well as independent news-style reports and content that is sponsored by Specsavers.
Greater understanding
The programme aims to provide a greater understanding of the role of dispensing opticians by examining the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the profession. It also aims to highlight the latest developments, particularly in the areas of paediatric dispensing, lens technology and spectacles frames.
In an interview with Ms Kaplinsky, the immediate past president of ABDO, Peter Black, discusses various topics, including the increasing role of dispensing opticians in primary care, the importance of children’s sight tests and the implications of an ageing population for dispensing opticians.
Mr Black said: “ABDO’s work with ITN Productions over the past three years has assisted in raising the profile of dispensing opticians and we have highlighted the vital role optometrists and dispensing opticians can play in primary care.”
He added: “The annual programmes also feature exciting innovations and new technologies now available to the optical sector.”
In another interview, the new president of ABDO, Fiona Anderson (pictured), talks about the findings of new research highlighting the necessity for designing and manufacturing bespoke spectacles for children.
ABDO Insight 2016 includes a sponsored report with Specsavers, examining patients’ shifting habits of going to local High Street opticians for screening and treatment instead of to the GP or the hospital. It also explores Specsavers’ major investment and innovations in children’s eye care.
In addition, the programme reveals what make the best eyewear for winter sports and offers updates on ABDO’s Eyecare FAQ social media campaign that aims to educate people about the importance of eye care.
The programme includes some highlights and additional interviews from Optrafair, covering a range of topics including ABDO’s strategies, goals and challenges, optical education, children’s eyewear and low vision.
Head of industry news at ITN Productions, Simon Shelley, said: “Dispensing opticians are continuously innovating and their role is becoming increasingly important in the community care services.
“ITN Productions is delighted to continue its partnership with ABDO for the third year running to explore the latest learnings and best practice in the profession.”
The first part of ABDO Insight 2016 is available on the ABDO website.
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