Clive Marchant Inaugurated as New ABDO President
Dispensing Optician Clive Marchant was inaugurated as the new ABDO President in a ceremony at the ABDO Optrafair Dinner in Birmingham on the 15th of April.
Clive, who is also a contact lens optician and director of the Colin Lee group of practices, says, “I’m delighted to take over the ABDO Presidency from Fiona Anderson who has done a fantastic job during her term of office. I now look forward to working with Jo Holmes in her new role as Vice President and the rest of the ABDO board and staff, supporting and enhancing the role of Dispensing Opticians.”
Focussing on highlights for the coming year, he says, “This year we will see the first cohort of contact lens opticians accredited to provide MECS service. This is the first of several initiatives to involve dispensing opticians within the expanding range of enhanced services. We have record numbers of students studying at all levels from level 2 optical assistant to our degree programs and specialised qualifications. Demand for training has identified the need for our National Resource Centre which will be in the heart of Birmingham and will become the home for ABDO examinations. Opening this summer, it will be a centre of excellence to be used for the benefit of our members along with all the optical profession and our industry partners. We look forward to welcoming all to the centre very soon.”
Special awards were also presented at the gala dinner with the Medal of Excellence going to Richard Crook and the Hamblin Memorial Prize to Keith Cavaye.