Insurance and why you need it

Professional Indemnity / Medical Malpractice - Information About Your Policy

If an error occurs in the course of your professional duties, or if a client is unintentionally harmed, this policy is designed to respond promptly and effectively.

Allegations of malpractice can be complex and stressful. This insurance provides access to specialist legal representation to defend your position and, where necessary, will cover compensation awarded against you.

The policy will manage and fund the defence of claims made against you, regardless of their merit. This ensures that the burden of handling such matters is removed, allowing you to remain focused on running your business.

The ABDO scheme is available to members of the Association who are fully qualified dispensing opticians residing in the United Kingdom. It also extends to students under your direct supervision in practice, provided you are a current individual member. Please note that this policy does not cover optometric work.

This insurance is intended to protect you as an individual practitioner. Optical practices should seek advice from their own insurance broker to arrange appropriate cover for professional indemnity or medical malpractice risks at a business level

2026 Fees:

*Please contact ABDO Membership services on 01227 733911 if you are a member and would like to upgrade your level of cover to include MECS, or if you are carrying out post-operative refractive care.

Note that the registration fee covers both the cost of the insurance and the administration of the policy by ABDO.

Note that no pro rata fee or refund is offered should you join or leave the scheme during the year (with the exception of newly-qualified FBDOs, qualifying after 31 May, who may pay a reduced fee of £22.50 if joining the scheme in the year of qualification).

Once selected, your insurance will renew automatically each January, with your annual membership subscription. Cover will remain in force provided payment is received by 31 January in the year the fees are due (unless paying in instalments by Direct Debit).

Failure to pay your ABDO membership subscription and/or your ABDO professional indemnity insurance fee will result in your withdrawal from the scheme.

Complete the application form to apply for this cover.