Letters: Abdo responds to criticism

Stephen Hopkinson (letters, 06.05.16) is one of the 5-6% of registered dispensing opticians who choose not to be a member of Abdo. Providing they have professional indemnity insurance from another source, dispensing opticians do not need to be a member of Abdo and optometrists do not need to be a member of the AOP or the College.

However, I believe practitioners are foolhardy not to support their professional bodies at a time when the threat to our professions is greater than ever. I’m sorry Mr Hopkinson believes the optical bodies have been ineffective at representing his interests – it has certainly not been for want of trying. However, I still believe Abdo membership represents great value for money.