Concern over Godmersham funding

ABDO members have raised concerns about the level of support its Godmersham College receives from Association funds.

The anxiety was raised during a December 6 meeting attended by ABDO president James Russell.

One member, who preferred to remain anonymous, told optician that he was 'deeply concerned about the company's finances,' and that 'investing so much money into the College is like putting all your money on one horse'.

Another told optician that it was right for members to finance the College, but also disagreed with the proportion of funding.

Russell said that ABDO published audited accounts annually and that members were invited to ask questions relating to them at the agm.

'The Association set up the College as an independent charitable body in 2000 following a long period of pressure from employers and students who sought a high level of block release training for dispensing students,' he said.

He said that the Association set-up costs and support for the college was 'reviewable by the ABDO board on a five yearly basis'. He urged members to contact the general secretary, chief finance officer or himself on ABDO policy.