ABDO was formed in 1986 when its two predecessors, The Association of Dispensing Opticians and the Faculty of Dispensing Opticians, were merged following the Health and Social Security Act of 1984. The profession of dispensing opticians has been regulated voluntarily since 1926 and, as a statutory profession, by the Opticians Act since 1958. Since such time the conduct of dispensing opticians has thus been regulated partly by legal provisions, by advice given by the General Optical Council, and by ABDO’s own Advice to Fellows.

ABDO currently represents over 5,300 qualified dispensing opticians in the United Kingdom, (400 overseas), some 2,000 students worldwide, and over 400 Associate members.

The objectives of the Association are:

To support, protect and advance the character, status and interests of dispensing opticians.

The advancement, for the benefit of the public, of the science and art of dispensing optics and promotion of research into such science and art, provided that the useful results of any such research is disseminated for public benefit.

In furtherance of such objectives ABDO has, among others, the following powers:

• To promote the better education and training of dispensing opticians.
• To encourage the study, and improve the practice, of dispensing optics.
• To encourage suitable standards of education in dispensing optics, and to establish, continue and adjudicate a system of qualifying and higher examinations.
• To enter into any arrangements with any authorities that may seem conducive to the interests of ABDO.
• To disseminate among members and others, information on all matters affecting dispensing optics, and publish written material as appropriate.
• To give the legislative, public bodies and others, facilities of conferring with, and ascertaining the views of, persons engaged in the optical dispensing profession.

The Association is governed by a Board of Directors. The Board consists of nine full members of the Association elected by secret ballot. The Board has two non-voting advisers (one academic and one financial). The Board is served by secretariat of the Association headed by the General Secretary Sir Anthony (Tony) Garrett CBE. The President and Vice President are elected by the Board from amongst it number. Each term is for two years.

ABDO currently employs staff in its London headquarters, at its Crowborough publishing office, in the CET office in Colchester, as well as the Membership Services, Marketing, Examinations and Registration departments based in Godmersham in Kent.

The organisation is headed by the General Secretary, Sir Anthony Garrett CBE.

The United Kingdom is divided into 13 areas. Each region has a committee which is responsible for organising area events which may be CET or social in nature. The area Chairmen are invited twice a year to meet with the President and Board members to discuss matters of interest or concern. Area committees arrange social and educational events for ABDO Members.

Every year ABDO holds a national conference and exhibition where members meet for educational talks, workshop presentations accompanied by lively social events.

The ABDO College was established by the Association in 2001, and is now a separate body run by a Board of Trustees. The College employs academic and ancillary staff, along with a number of visiting lecturers. It also employs staff in the Distance Learning department, together other administrative support personnel. For further information visit www.abdocollege.org.uk
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