At this time of year my attention is turned toward our student members, and those qualified members sitting higher qualifications, as they eagerly await their examination results.
Exams, if I cast my mind back to when I was at school, always seemed to happen on the hottest days of summer, in stuffy gym halls. Then the summer draws on and we stress about the results.
Finally results day dawns; in my day, a letter was delivered by the postman to my home address. I was at work, so a series of phone calls ensued and mum delivered the news. Today it’s quite different and one swift email or text will deliver your fate.
ABDO, as the awarding body, has a whole range of qualifications on offer: the primary being the level 6 diploma in ophthalmic dispensing (FBDO), as well as honours qualifications in related subjects such as contact lenses, low vision and spectacle lens design.
ABDO College also offers training for support staff with its portfolio of Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers courses: level 2 & 3 in optical support, optical retail skills and spectacle manufacturing. Well trained support staff are an asset to any practice or manufacturing facility. The level 4 optical technicians or SMC(tech) course is also offered for those seeking the ‘gold standard’ in spectacle lens manufacture.
Combined with the FBDO qualification, ABDO College also provides a degree programme in conjunction with Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU).
I am fond of the saying ‘Every day is a school day’ and advocate lifelong learning.
Fiona Anderson, president, ABDO