ABDO communications and engagement update

Setting up the groundwork for effective action

As we move into the second quarter of 2026, it’s been an exceptionally active start to the year for ABDO.

The first quarter is always a pivotal period, not only for membership renewals but also for strengthening our understanding of your professional needs and priorities. This year has been no exception.

Through renewals conversations, surveys and direct engagement, we’ve gathering richer insights into where our members are in their careers, the challenges you face, and how we can better support your progression, your workplaces and your patients. This work continues to shape our plans for the year ahead, and we will ultimately use this to better tailor our resources and communications with you.

Read on for an update on what we’ve been doing to champion the profession, support your development and enhance your membership experience…

Our focus for 2026

Earlier in the year, we launched our 2026 Annual Plan, built around three core objectives:

• Championing the value of our members
• Supporting career development and growth
• Enhancing the member experience

Much of our work so far this year has centred on the first of these: raising visibility, influence and understanding of the vital work that dispensing opticians (DOs) do. Our activities span key audiences including employers, patients, the wider public and partners across the optical sector.

Pay and Rewards Survey: driving real change

One of the most significant pieces of work this year is our 2026 Pay and Reward Survey, launched in February. This survey is already generating useful conversations and setting up the groundwork for meaningful action.

What we’ve done so far:

• Gathered member feedback through online discussions and direct conversations. Members have been clear: they welcome this work and want to see it translate into real, positive change
• Shared the results with employers. We have met with a number of employers to present the key findings and explore where they can take practical steps to address the issues raised. Encouragingly, there is a genuine willingness to engage and ‘move the needle’
• Started developing practical tools and resources. These will support members in future pay conversations, helping you enter discussions with confidence and clarity

This survey is not a one‑off exercise. It is the beginning of a wider programme of advocacy and support aimed at improving recognition, reward and career development for DOs. You can read more on the Pay and Reward Survey in the March issue of Dispensing Optics, and download a full report of the survey.

Engaging with visitors at 100% Optical

Meeting members and representing the profession

Over the past two months, the membership team has been out across the sector, meeting members, listening to your experiences and representing the profession’s voice.

Recent activity includes:

• Attending the Asda Opticians National Conference in February
• Exhibiting at 100% Optical in late February, early March

At 100% Optical in particular, we saw an impressive turnout from DOs. The energy, passion and commitment you bring to the profession was clear – along with a willingness to share ideas on how ABDO can support you further. This engagement is invaluable. Every conversation helps us understand what matters to you and where we can drive the most impact.

Shaping the future of eyecare

ABDO continues to highlight the depth of training, clinical expertise and professional standards that DOs bring to UK eyecare. Recently, we contributed an article to the College of Optometrists’ Acuity journal, highlighting the depth of training undertaken by DOs, and focused on the shared professional values, complementary clinical roles and the benefits of truly team‑based care for patients.

We have also been representing DOs in national discussions, including the current government consultation on mandatory eyesight testing for drivers aged 70 and over on driving licence renewal. Ensuring policymakers understand the role and importance of DOs is a key part of our advocacy work.

Advancing paediatric dispensing skills

New Level 7 Diploma in Paediatric Dispensing course launched

Another significant area of development this year is paediatric dispensing. We are currently progressing a dedicated campaign and a new learning and development programme focused on this specialist field.

Key updates include:

• An expanded new Level 7 Diploma in Paediatric Dispensing course, now available to enroll on for members and non-members alike
• A White Paper, which will highlight the unique expertise DOs bring to paediatric eye health care and dispensing

This work will raise awareness among partners, employers, parents and clinical colleagues that paediatric dispensing requires specialist skills – and that DOs can deliver high quality care for children.

Inspiring the next generation

Promoting the profession continues to be a priority. During National Careers Week and National Apprenticeship Week, we undertook a range of activities to highlight the skilled and rewarding nature of careers.

We have been:

• Ensuring major careers platforms reflect up‑to‑date and accurate information
• Showcasing success stories and real‑life pathways into the profession
• Feeding into the UK Eye Care Data workforce modelling to support more accurate projections of future professional needs

Encouraging more people to enter optical careers is essential to meeting future patient needs, and DOs play a central role in that future.

Celebrating success and looking ahead

Next Graduation and Prize Giving Ceremony takes place on 12 May

With our next Graduation and Prize Giving Ceremony taking place on 12 May at the usual prestigious venue of Canterbury Cathedral, we are already preparing to celebrate the achievements of newly qualified DOs and contact lens opticians. Graduation remains one of the most special moments in the ABDO calendar, symbolising both individual achievement and the strength of the profession.

As we continue our 100‑year celebrations for the profession throughout 2026, we are also travelling around the UK to meet DOs and share your stories across our digital and print channels. These stories showcase the professionalism, dedication and community spirit that define our members.

If you would like to be featured, you can get involved through our centenary webpage.

Share your feedback

Everything we do is shaped by the voices and needs of our members. As we deliver our plans for 2026, your feedback is essential.

Please continue to tell us:

• What support you value most
• Where you feel ABDO can help you grow
• What challenges you encounter in your day‑to‑day professional life
• Any ideas for improving member experience

Your insights help us build a stronger, more connected and more influential profession – and one that will thrive for the next 100 years.

Email membership@abdo.org.uk

Gavin Berkerey is ABDO director of communications and engagement.