The FMO and ABDO have set up a panel to help trainee dispensing opticians boost their awareness of new manufacturing processes and gain hands-on experience.
The panel will be led by Andy Sanders, Hoya professional services manager, with the education group including experts Debbie Gigg, Elaine Grisdale, Alicia Thompson, Andy Hepworth, Julian Wiles, Mark Marland and Kevin Gutsell.
Sanders said: ‘For the next generation of opticians to promote the very best in eye care they need to have a broad understanding of new developments.
‘Our aim is to ensure that where possible students see glazing, surfacing and coating taking place in a lab environment. When this is not possible, due to geographical constraints, we are looking to fill the gaps with up-to-date AV education.’
FMO lens companies, labs and frame manufacturers were being urged to submit details of their latest lens, coating and frame launches ‘to ensure the panel is providing the latest information to the next generation of emerging dispensing opticians’.
ABDO director of professional exams Alicia Thompson said: ‘This exciting new initiative will see trainees visiting and reporting on manufacturing processes as part of their portfolio of experience.
‘This supports the competency in demonstrating knowledge in frame and lens manufacturing, as well as the application of lens treatments. Thanks to our collaboration with FMO members, we can ensure this experience is always up to date with the latest technological advances in product design and production methods.’