ABDO publishes Pay and Reward Survey report
Pay varies significantly by employer type, region and additional responsibilities
ABDO has published the findings of its recent Pay and Reward Survey, providing detailed insights into salaries, benefits, professional recognition and career progression across the profession.
The survey, which had a 27 per cent response rate, showed that dispensing opticians (DOs) and contact lens opticians (CLOs) felt undervalued and often lacked structured development pathways.
Among the key findings were that:
- Pay varied significantly by employer type, region and additional responsibilities
- Nearly 70 per cent of respondents felt that their pay and benefits did not reflect their responsibilities, reflecting “a clear need for improved recognition and reward across the sector” – said the Association
Using the survey insights, ABDO is developing a programme of work to support members and engage with employers to encourage change.
This will include:
- A pay benchmarking tool for members
- Stronger engagement with employers
- New resources to support members’ development
- Championing the profession collectively
An online benchmarking tool will be developed to allow members to compare their salary with anonymised averages based on region, role, employer type and responsibilities – supporting evidence based conversations about pay and progression.
ABDO is also meeting with employers of all sizes to discuss the survey findings, and highlight areas for action, including:
- A focus on the gender pay gap
- Seeking improved recognition for DOs and CLOs
- Strengthening links between qualifications, responsibility and reward
- Developing clearer, more consistent progression pathways
The Association will produce practical guidance to help members prepare for pay and reward discussions, showing how responsibilities and qualifications link to progression, and providing learning and development opportunities through ABDO membership and other partners.
By sharing data openly and working collaboratively across the sector, ABDO aims to “improve recognition of the vital role DOs and CLOs play in patient care and practice performance”.
Commenting on the survey findings, Alistair Bridge, ABDO chief executive, said: “This research gives us the clearest picture yet of the challenges and opportunities around pay and recognition in our profession. Our members bring exceptional skill, commitment and care to patients every day and it’s vital that this is reflected in how they are valued and rewarded.
“We’re using these insights to develop new tools, support and guidance to help members advance their careers and strengthen their recognition.”