Dispensing Optics

The campaign will encourage parents and carers to make eye tests a part of their children’s regular healthcare routine before they start school Eyecare practitioners (ECPs) are being encouraged to refresh their knowledge, skills and confidence in paediatric eyecare ahead of a new sector-wide public awareness campaign launching on World Sight Day 2026 on 8 October.

The charity Vision Care is celebrating the launch of its new website after Specsavers West Division practice staff helped raise £17,933 to fund the project. The appeal exceeded its original £15,000 target through fundraising events, including a BBQ and golf day, practice donations and a patient survey fundraiser, which contributed more than £12,000 to the final total.

Snapshot of survey findings Findings from the General Optical Council’s (GOC) 2026 registrant workforce and perceptions survey show that registrants are “cautiously optimistic” about the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to support eyecare, while highlighting a need for greater understanding of the technology and some concerns to be addressed. Forty-five per cent of survey respondents said they believed AI would improve eyecare quality.

Dispensing optician (DO), Emily Head, has been appointed to Specsavers’ UK Optics Board – further ensuring DOs are represented at the highest level. “Emily’s appointment reflects Specsavers’ recognition of the vital role DOs play in delivering high-quality patient care and driving successful community practices”, the company stated on announcing her appointment. Starting her career in optics at the age of 16, working at her local Specsavers practice.

BOA Museum curator, Neil Handley The College of Optometrists will opens its doors to the public for the Open House Festival and Heritage Open Days on Sunday 13 September. Visitors can drop-in for self-guided tours of the British Optical Association Museum, home to the world’s oldest collection of spectacles, vision aids, sight-testing equipment and eye-popping exhibits relating to the history of vision and eye health, which this year celebrates its 125th anniversary.

DOs may undertake low vision assessments within their scope of practice In my role as ABDO regional lead for the North East and Yorkshire, I have been keen to learn more about the low vision pathways available across our region, what support exists beyond the consulting room, and how dispensing opticians (DOs) can contribute to improving outcomes for patients living with sight loss.

Assessing the patient’s skin is an essential part of a dry eye consultation Dry eye disease (DED) is often first encountered as ocular surface findings: reduced tear break-up time (TBUT), corneal fluorescein staining, a thin tear meniscus, or visible meibomian gland obstruction. These signs matter, but they are not the whole story.

ABDO has relaunched the Hamblin Memorial Prize with a refreshed criteria focusing on ‘innovation in practice, education, research or promoting the profession’. The Hamblin Memorial Prize was first instigated by Paul Hamblin whilst chairman of historic British dispensing opticians (DO) firm, Theodore Hamblin Opticians.

Featuring both contemporary and historical articles ABDO has published a special keepsake supplement for members celebrating 100 years of the dispensing optics profession – included with the September issue of its journal Dispensing Optics (DO). The commemorative supplement features both historical and contemporary articles – including a six-page, 100-year timeline of landmark moments for the profession and industry.

Valuable member discounts on offer Get ready for the new school, college or university term with exclusive savings through ABDO member rewards. Members can access discounts on tech, helping to reduce the cost of essentials such as laptops, tablets and accessories for study and everyday use. There are also discounts available across a wide range of leading brands, covering clothing, outdoor equipment, gifts and everyday shopping, making it easier to manage back-to-school expenses.