ABDO presents 2026 awards

Diane Nash receives the ABDO Medal of Excellence

The annual ABDO Awards were presented during the Association’s Graduation and Prize Giving Ceremony at Canterbury Cathedral once again this year.

Five honours were bestowed by outgoing ABDO president, Kevin Gutsell, with a sixth presented by Brenda Rennie, now president, after the event.

An ABDO distance learning tutor for more than 25 years and dispensing practical examiner for more than 20, Diane Nash was awarded the ABDO Medal of Excellence for her exceptional and long-standing contribution to the Association.

Diane said: “The graduation was such a lovely event to receive my Medal of Excellence and when I get an opportunity to wear it, I will do so with pride.”

John Southgate is awarded the ABDO Medal of Excellence

An ABDO member for more than 50 years, John Southgate’s long standing commitment to the Association at local and regional level exemplified the values recognised by the ABDO Medal of Excellence.

John said: “As a member of the former ABDO Area 5 Committee, we organised excellent continuing education and training days for many years pre-Covid – and it is great to be recognised for this by the ABDO Board.”

Chris Packford with his son, Simon

Past president, Chris Packford, received Life Membership in recognition of his exceptional contribution and extensive service to the Association and wider profession.

Chris was joined at the ceremony by his son Simon, also a dispensing optician (DO).

He said: “I feel very proud, privileged and honoured to have received this award. It was a wonderful ceremony and a memorable day for me and Simon – and for everyone involved.”

ABDO Medal of Excellence for Paul Lewis

Paul Lewis received the ABDO Medal of Excellence in recognition of his long standing service, commitment to professional representation and contribution to the profession.

He said: “It has been a privilege to support the profession and represent DOs over many years, and I’ve been fortunate to work alongside so many dedicated colleagues. Now that I’ve retired, it feels like a very fitting way to mark the close of my 47-year career in optics.”

Barry Duncan receives ABDO Life Membership

Barry Duncan was awarded Life Membership for his contribution and dedication to the Association and the profession through numerous roles including ABDO president, and his long standing service in clinical practice, paediatric and specialist dispensing, education and professional governance.

Barry said: “I am delighted to receive this recognition for my efforts over the years. ABDO provided me with great opportunities to develop as a DO and, whilst extremely challenging at times, I strongly felt that our profession needed to evolve and become integral to delivery of excellent eyecare services in the UK. Hopefully, I managed to make a small contribution.”

ABDO Honorary Fellowship for Lisa Donaldson

Finally, Lisa Donaldson was awarded an Honorary Fellowship for her exceptional contribution to the optical profession and to patient care.

Lisa responded: “I am delighted to receive this wonderful honour. The role of the dispensing optician and their proactive support is absolutely critical in successful eyecare and vision support for children and vulnerable groups. Pathways of care should be better designed to recognise this, and I look forward to continuing to work with ABDO in my role at SeeAbility to this end.”

Nominations for the 2027 ABDO Awards will open on Monday 3 August 2026.