Professional development

ABDO’s CPD Standards of Practice Modules are short, online learning modules that will cover a range of topics relevant to eyecare professionals working in optical practice.

Each module will be relevant to a single GOC Standard of Practice enabling CPD be obtained in the GOC CPD learning domain for that standard.

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The Certificate in Contact lens practice is a post-graduate qualification for a dispensing optician (DO) so they are completing a training course and gaining contact lens practical experience whilst also carrying out their professional responsibilities as a DO.

Copies of the syllabus can be found here.

If you have already attained the Certificate in Contact Lens Practice why not use the experience you have gained to develop to the next level – and start the process by taking one of the units which relates to everyday practice, like toric lenses or presbyopic correction?

The syllabus is in five units:

• Unit A – Toric lenses: The first part of the unit involves designing an RGP toric lens empirically, assessing the fit of a RGP toric lens and carrying out an over-refraction on a toric patient. The second part then involves the assessment of toric soft fittings using media technology.
• Unit B – Presbyopic correction: This unit requires the selection and assessment of a pair of multi-focal lenses including the choice of final powers – and discussion of the principles related to presbyopic correction.
• Unit C – Remedial fittings: The format in this unit is one dissertation and one viva section – discussing the etiology, topography, CL options, challenges, management and aftercare involved in [i] refractive treatment and orthokeratology and [ii] medical/therapeutic indications including such as keratoconus, keratoplasty and bandage lenses.
• Unit D – Current knowledge: This unit is a short answer questions examination paper with open and closed questions on current contact lens materials, lens designs and care products.
• Unit E – Case records: 12 case records are presented before the examination, to meet a specified list of cases which includes high prescriptions, extended/continuous wear, RGP and soft torics, multi-focal correction of presbyopia, and problem solving – plus an interesting case of the candidate’s choice. The examination is a viva on the presented records.

Candidates can choose the order in which the five units are taken and if singly, small groups or in total. The only requirement is that they are all sat within a three year period and passed within five years of the first unit examination. Successful completion of the assessments will result in the award of the Diploma in Advanced Contact Lens Practice, permitting the use of the letters FBDO (Hons) CL.

Copies of the syllabus are available here.

Find out about extended services pathways here.

The course aim is to develop enhanced skills beyond that of what would be the standard core competencies required to become a GOC registrant. The application of a clear framework of providing care and advice to the visually impaired patient and their families and managing their rehabilitation by adapting to produce appropriate solutions to the patient’s requirements.

Understanding your role in multidisciplinary teams;
including professional limitations, and referring to
those teams where appropriate. Understand the
importance of certification and registration to the
patient and public health.

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Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) management and leadership training is a great way to turn any informal learning into a recognised qualification through a course of study and assessment.

ABDO offers Level 5 courses in Management & Leadership, accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) who also assess and award the qualifications.

ABDO also offers workshops and short courses on conflict and change management.

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Children, young people and vulnerable adult safeguarding training is recommended for all healthcare professionals, including dispensing opticians.

ABDO offers both child safeguarding and adult safeguarding courses.

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This in-depth course on the design and performance of lenses is of interest to all qualified opticians who dispense spectacle lenses. Written by Professor Mo Jalie, the course deals with the more advanced aspects of geometric optics of ophthalmic lenses and the principles of modern spectacle lens design.

Completely updated to include the theory and design of aspheric lenses, the course includes advanced consideration of paraxial theory as well as the calculation of the off-axis performance of  lenses and the significant aberrations which must be eliminated or minimised in spectacle lens design.

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Applications for 2025 are now closed.

Following a 12-month provision review of the professional certificate in paediatric eyecare and three examination sittings, we have been able to gather invaluable feedback on the student experience to allow us to build on the successes and provide an enhanced learner experience and focussed assessment.

Applications will re open in January 2026.