The 2025 ABDO Clinical Conference, held on 12 and 13 October at the National Resource Centre in Birmingham, was an exceptional event that focused on dry eye and the crucial role of dispensing opticians (DOs) and contact lens opticians within the multidisciplinary team to support this area of clinical practice.
Alongside myopia management and paediatric eyecare, it highlighted once again how central the DO is to the care of such patients. A huge thank you to the ABDO team for their excellent organisation, and to everyone involved both on the practical days and in the online course components.
Meanwhile, there’s continued discussion around the government’s commitment to road safety, with the eyecare community across the UK unified in calling for improved driving vision standards. Regardless of the outcome, I’m confident that DOs are uniquely positioned to understand and address the specific needs of patients, recommending the best solutions to ensure those with varying levels of vision can feel more comfortable and confident on the road.
For example, whether it’s coping with bright headlights, managing a cluttered dashboard, or dealing with the challenges of driving at night or in low sunlight, these are all key issues that can be addressed during consultations with DOs. You’ll notice how many of these components are enhanced in the winter months. The right solutions are available to help patients navigate these driving challenges.
Looking ahead, World Diabetes Day on 14 November is an important opportunity for raising awareness, not only about diabetes, but also about the importance of eye examinations in detecting early signs of the condition and managing its potential impact on vision. This marks the beginning of a week dedicated to diabetes awareness activities and initiatives.
As 2025 draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to look ahead to 2026 – a significant year when, in May, I will pass on the chain of office to our current vice president, Brenda Rennie. We’ll share the honour of serving as co-presidents during the 100th anniversary celebrations of our profession. To kick off the year’s events, I’ll be aiming to visit 100 practices across the country.
If you’d like more information or would like to invite the ABDO president to visit your practice, please don’t hesitate to email me at kgutsell@abdo.org.uk