Meaningful engagement at 100% Optical
Tina Arbon Black in ‘Walking the line’
Full-to-capacity CPD dispensing workshops, and meaningful engagement with members and non-members alike, made for another successful 100% Optical for ABDO.
Running on each day of the show, ABDO’s dispensing workshops offered CPD points for the multi-disciplinary practice team of dispensing opticians, contact lens opticians and optometrists.
In ‘Walking the line’, ABDO director of professional engagement, Alex Webster, and professional development learning manager, Tina Arbon Black, provided delegates with the opportunity to consider how some of the rules and regulations in place in the optical sector were realistically played out in eyecare practices.
Considering the sale and supply of optical appliances, and how delegation and supervision are understood and conducted, delegates shared concerns and advice with their peers to ensure everyone stayed on ‘the right side of the line’.
A lively dispensing workshop saw Alex Webster don a referee’s shirt as delegates considered whether spectacles or contact lenses were the best vision correction option for, in turn, children, presbyopes and working professionals.
Titled ‘Spectacles or contact lenses: you decide’, Dr Alicia Thompson, ABDO research director, and Max Halford, ABDO clinical and policy director, presented as ‘team spectacles’ and ‘team contact lenses’ respectively. As the evidence was presented in a knockout style session, delegates discussed then voted for what they considered to be the best optical solution.
Dr Thompson in discussion with delegates
In a discussion workshop supported by EssilorLuxottica, Charlotte Timbury EssilorLuxottica director of medical and professional affairs for Northern Europe, and Cheryl Hill, ABDO CPD officer, addressed the topic of ‘Light sensitivity and management’.
Delegates discussed the increase in light sensitivity symptoms, the importance of light management to control the effects of glare, reduced contrast, and how to ensure the best solution was recommended to the patient.
NuVision Biotherapies UK also supported the delivery of a discussion workshop and lecture about amniotic membrane transplantation and the clinical data relating to its application in primary eyecare practice. A video demonstration of the application of amniotic membrane via a bespoke bandage contact lens for out-patient application was provided.
Speaking after the show, Alex Webster said: “As always, it was fantastic for ABDO to have the opportunity to present CPD at 100% Optical and engage with passionate eyecare clinicians.”
Max Halford added: “Overall, the event provided an invaluable opportunity to connect with ABDO members and engage in meaningful discussions – and to reconnect with the many companies and organisations that continue to support dispensing opticians and ABDO.
“Innovation was a key theme throughout the event, and it was exciting to see so many future opportunities emerging for dispensing opticians. Additionally, this year’s CPD offering from ABDO was particularly engaging and provided real value to those attending. It was a great experience, and I look forward to future events,” added Max.
The show also saw Max Halford engage in a Q&A session with Mumsnet research manager, Holly Doran, on the Optical Suppliers Association (OSA) stand – focusing on the parenting platform’s recent collaboration with ABDO, the OSA and the College of Optometrists to raise awareness of children’s vision.
Max Halford in a Q&A with Holly Doran of Mumsnet
As previously reported, the optical organisations have engaged Mumsnet to help promote awareness of children’s vision and related eye health issues.
As part of the project, Mumsnet researchers data-mined nearly 8,000 conversations about children’s vision that had taken place on the platform over the past five years. In addition, Mumsnet has undertaken a survey of its members to gauge their understanding about the importance of regular eye examinations, the role of different eyecare professionals and their knowledge of myopia control. The results of the survey are due to be released by the end of March.
Alistair Bridge, ABDO CEO, commented: “It was great to meet so many members and learn more about the roles they play, and how we can support them as they progress in their careers. 100% Optical also provides a platform for collaboration across the sector, and we were delighted to raise awareness of the forthcoming research into children’s vision that we have carried out with Mumsnet, the Optical Suppliers Association and the College of Optometrists.”
Further coverage of 100% Optical will appear in the next issue of Dispensing Optics – out on 1 April 2025.