A total of some &\#163;60,000 has been donated by the consortium, which includes the Association of British Dispensing Opticians, Bausch & Lomb, Ciba Vision, the Federation of Ophthalmic and Dispensing Opticians, Hydron, Specsavers, Vistakon, Wesley Jessen PBH, Young Optical, Aspect, Cantor & Silver, David Thomas (CL), Lunelle and Nissel. However, the actual value of the donation is worth significantly more than &\#163;60,000 because Specsavers and Young Optical will be donating equipment at a substantial discount. The money raised will be split evenly between City & Islington College and Anglia Polytechnic University, and used to re-equip their expanding clinics. Once it has completed its expansion programme, City & Islington College will be able to offer about 100 student places instead of 72, while Anglia Polytechnic University will be doubling places from 20 to 40. Both colleges offer 12-month day-release courses leading to ABDO theory and practical examinations. Bausch & Lomb professional services manager Nick Atkins, who helped co-ordinate donations from the industry, said: 'The contact lens industry has shown its support for the future of the profession and has united behind that common cause. 'This initiative will enable more dispensing opticians who wish to develop their careers to consider studying as contact lens fitters.' ABDO registrar Derek Baker thanked all the bodies and companies that have supported the project. 'With close to 40 per cent of all contact lenses being dispensed by appropriately qualified dispensing opticians, this increase in training facilities will be of benefit to students, the contact lens profession and ultimately, of course, the public.'