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Optometrists and all practice staff are being encouraged to attend this autumn's ABDO conference and exhibition with an extensive programme of networking events and interactive happenings.

Details of the event, which takes place in Brighton from October 3-5, are now on the Association of British Dispensing Opticians' website. The organiser is clearly hoping for dispensing optician visitors to be joined by optometrists and optical assistants. A brochure outlining some of the special events taking place at the Hilton Brighton Metropole will be sent to ABDO members next week.

One of the key changes to this year's event is an extensive exhibition area which will be free to anyone who wants to visit regardless of whether they are attending the conference.

The conference boasts a range of top speakers on topics of interest to DOs, optometrists and optical assistants plus some high profile keynote speakers.

Elaine Grisdale, ABDO's head of professional services and conference organiser, said: 'We have worked hard on this year's conference programme to offer delegates practical advice on a wide range of hot topics. The theme of this year's conference is UV but we have presentations on children, dyslexia, low vision and many more subjects.

'Product knowledge is a core element of a dispensing optician's armoury and optometrists tell us is of interest to them too. This will be provided by the crème de la crème of UK and international speakers we have assembled for the Spectech programme. This will feature manufacturing innovations and how they can be applied to retail optics.'

Optometrist Michelle Beach, director of Park Vision Eye Professionals in Nottingham, is quoted in the conference brochure encouraging non-DOs to consider the event. She said last year's ABDO conference was one of the most useful events she had attended all year. 'I probably took more from this conference than any of the others and came back full of confidence,' she said. This helped her interact with patients and other practice staff because of the understanding of product developments she gained from the event.

'I think the DOs are relieved to finally get an OO who speaks their language.'

The conference offers 7.5 CET points plus a further two points through a CD. Delegates can book online at www.abdoconference.co.uk or by calling 01225 969000.0207 207 2194 or email eyeknoweyecare@aop.org.uk or register online on www.aop.org.uk

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