Sir Anthony Garrett CBE has celebrated 20 years as general secretary at the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO).
With chief finance officer Thurailingam ‘Pavan’ Pavanakumar, Garrett oversaw the relocation of ABDO headquarters, as well as forming the ABDO College in Kent, where student dispensing opticians (DOs) can train.
ABDO president Clive Marchant said: ‘Credit to all that has been achieved must be attributed to both these great men and the team they have recruited to work alongside them. Tony has always sought to improve and enhance the profile of the profession and to develop closer co-operation with other optical bodies. 20 years ago, ABDO did not employ any DOs, a stark contrast to today when most of the senior team are DOs, along with two optometrists. While we reflect and celebrate, I know Tony and Pavan are always forward thinking, and we will continue to work to take the profession onwards.’