Dispensing opticians being overlooked in favour of optical assistants, problems for DOs arising from the Vision Expresstakeover of Batemans and the tiering of GOC registration fees for maternity leave were just some of the issues raised at a recent open forum day held by the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO).
During the meeting, ABDO general secretary Sir Anthony Garrett reiterated that GOC registration fees was an area constantly under discussion with the Department of Health (DoH) and claimed that ABDO would 'continue to fight this fight until fairness had been achieved'.
It was also felt by some of the 20 members in attendance that it should be easier to contact ABDO board members. It was therefore agreed that the secretariat would ensure that the board's email and telephone contact details would be placed on the ABDO website as soon as possible. ABDO president Barry Duncan emphasised that members should always feel free to contact him about all issues at any time.
Another concern was raised about the ABDO College running courses for optical assistants. Garrett reported that discussions had been held with the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers (SMC) about offering training for its courses. He reported that these courses were being considered to underpin the income of the College to ensure its financial independence.
The name of the Association was also questioned.Anumber of members feltthat its standing would be enhanced if the title were changed to omit the term 'dispensing'. It was concluded that such a move would require consultation with the GOC and DoH and to be put to ballot with the members, bearing in mind that there had been an inadequate turnout the last time the same issue was put to membership.