ABDO Student Revision Event 2022
Some practical revision
More than 80 students attended the 2022 ABDO Student Revision Event, held on Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 March at Yarnfield Park Training and Conference Centre in Staffordshire.
“Now in its seventh year, this not-to-be-missed revision event gives students access to great expertise– as each tutor is both a current and experienced ABDO practical examiner,” said Alicia Thompson, ABDO director of professional examinations. “We have produced our own training kit with answers to allow students to practise developing technique and gain an understanding of what is required – and all information that the students receive is both accurate and up-to-date.”
Sponsored this year by Hoya Lens UK and Stepper UK, the revision event is specifically tailored to the 2015 Level 6 Diploma in Ophthalmic Dispensing, and is open to all FQE student members. It covers full FQE practical revision and portfolio guidance.
Honing news skills
Practical and relevant underpinning theory covered
The two days consisted of four practical workshops for sections A and B of the FQE, with equipment and training kit to replicate the actual examination as closely as possible. Prescription analysis (section C) was delivered in a peer discussion format and section D, abnormal ocular conditions and special optical appliances, was a lecture followed by a timed OSCE simulation. Discussion workshops followed on case records and the PQP, along with lectures on manufacturing and exam technique.
As part of the programme, Andy Sanders, professional services director at Hoya Lens UK, gave a talk on manufacturing and optical lens theory, while Peter Reeve, managing director of Stepper UK, demonstrated moulds and materials used for frame manufacture. The delegate bags provided by Hoya contained a printed revision guide and ABDO goodies. Stepper had some ‘goodies’ for the students at their stand. The students also enjoyed a free drink from the bar courtesy of Event Exchange, which helped organise the event.
Jo Holmes at the evening event
ABDO president, Jo Holmes, and vice president, Daryl Newsome, attended the event to support the students, who enjoyed an evening BBQ party and live band. Daryl was present in his capacity as an examiner, while Jo supported and chatted to all of the students and delivered an official address to them on the second day.
The event’s chosen charity this year was Guide Dogs and during a raffle and revision quiz held on the Tuesday evening, a total of £394.83 was raised for the charity. Earlier in the day, students heard from guide dog user Alison about living with sight loss, and the independence that her guide dog George gives her.
Alicia said: “We were delighted to be able to bring back this popular event in person, to support our students from all dispensing institutions in preparing for their final qualifying examinations. The feedback from the students who attended was really positive, and we’re now looking forward to working on our plans for 2023.”
Pliers at the ready
Student feedback
‘Absolutely excellent event. Very helpful in preparing for exams and meeting the examiners’
‘Best examination team I have ever met’
‘Feel like it cleared up a lot of my questions and prepped me for what to expect’
‘Very useful event – thank you’
‘Thank you! It was so nice to meet so many colleagues’
‘Penny finally dropped thanks to examiners explaining the reality of it’
‘Keep up the good work’
‘Was good to meet the talented team and presidents’
‘Lecturers really engaging’
‘Excellent’
‘Very helpful’
‘Good practice and fun, very worthwhile event’
‘So useful, especially the optional practice session for facial measurements after the first day – thank you so much’
‘Awesome party’
‘Very reasonable, great value for money’
‘Really good value, enjoyed the event, very helpful’
‘Helpful, staff all lovely and clear, good to clarify and ease worries’
‘Party was amazing – good band’