ABDO opens new education and examinations hub

The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) has launched a new education and examinations hub in Birmingham.

The National Resource Centre was officially opened by the Mayor of West Midlands, Andy Street, who welcomed ABDO’s decision to invest and create jobs in the area.

“This is a day of celebration and looking forward with great confidence to a bright future for both the National Resource Centre and the expanding role of the optical profession,” Mr Street emphasised.

ABDO president, Clive Marchant, highlighted that the opening is a “landmark” moment for ABDO and the optical fraternity.

He emphasised that the centre will help practitioners to embrace enhanced services and the rapid advancement of technology.

The venue includes rooms that are suitable for practical examinations, conferences, seminars, training, revision and CET courses, as well as a glazing lab and 10 clinical bays equipped for refraction and contact lenses.

The National Resource Centre will be available for local businesses to hire alongside organisations and companies from the optical industry.

ABDO head of communications, Antonia Chitty, explained that the Centre was designed to meet a number of needs.

There are no plans to offer an optometry degree from the facility.

Ms Chitty highlighted that ABDO College at Godmersham is functioning “at capacity,” placing additional demands on the ABDO examinations department.

“The NRC provides a midlands base not just for ABDO exams and events but also for the wider optical community,” she shared.

The Centre will allow contact lens opticians to develop their skills in minor eye conditions services (MECS).

“Being involved in MECS is well within the capability of a CLO and allows practitioners to better meet the eye health needs of the patients, while also developing their business,” Ms Chitty highlighted.

Image credit: ABDO