Press release: New members for ABDO’s National Clinical Committee

      Kevin Gutsell FBDO is a former ABDO Board member, a GOC educational visitor, former director of the FMO, a business owner, BSi Rep, and an ABDO College tutor. He says, “The NCC has already undertaken important work expanding the scope of practice for dispensing opticians and I am looking forward to being involved in and working with like-minded professionals to achieve more.  I have been fortunate to have had fantastic opportunities and meet knowledgeable individuals during my time which has helped shape the person I am today, bringing passion and enthusiasm to improve our profession and its members, I hope to be a valuable contributor to the NCC.”

     Joshua Smith FBDO currently practises at Sheffield Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Before qualifying as a dispensing optician he worked as a registered dental nurse.  He says, “My aspirations to join the NCC stem from my desire to help shape the future for current and upcoming dispensing opticians.  As a dispensing optician who currently works within the ophthalmology department at a leading NHS hospital I bring a wealth of specialist knowledge to the committee, ranging from low vision and refractive surgery to medical contact lenses and complex dispensing. I am currently studying for the ABDO Contact Lens Certificate and a Doctorate in Healthcare Science, researching the dispensing managing of patients following intraocular lens implantation. Having recently also being appointed an ABDO local lead I am excited about getting involved with the NCC and the Association as a whole.”

    Jo Holmes says, “I’m delighted to welcome both Kevin and Joshua. There was a very high standard of applicants making our choice tricky. I believe we have chosen two DOs who will bring the best skill set and complement the existing knowledge we already have on the team. Kevin Gutsell brings a wealth of experience and knowledge. He has been involved with optical manufacturing, runs his own business, and is on the BSi committee to name just some of his portfolio. Joshua Smith has experience in the hospital environment and brings energy and passion regarding the role of Dispensing Optician. I look forward to working with our newest recruits along with the rest of the team.”

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