DOs pack out dispensing workshops at 100% Optical

Cheryl Hill with delegates

A significantly higher than usual percentage of dispensing opticians (DOs) were able to participate in the ABDO dispensing workshop sessions at 100% Optical in London last weekend.

“We were really pleased with both the numbers and the engagement in our CPD sessions,” said ABDO head of CPD, Alex Webster, who attributed the greater percentage of DOs taking part this year to a decision to stagger CPD bookings at the start of the year. This, suggested Alex, enabled more non Association of Optometrists members to participate – coupled with places being held back for ‘walk-ins’ on the day.

In the first of two ABDO CPD workshop sessions, Dr Alicia Thompson, ABDO director of research, education and professional development, led a discussion workshop on the role of the DO in myopia management. Delegates worked in groups to discuss this as a member of a practice multi-disciplinary team. Group discussions focused on communicating risk, informed choice and patient consent, provision of spectacles, and patient monitoring.

“The engagement from delegates during this session clearly provoked some food-for-thought on how myopia patients are supported through their whole practice and management journey,” said Alex.

A second ABDO discussion workshop saw Alex and CPD colleague, Cheryl Hill, leading an ‘escape room’ exercise, titled ‘Save Dave’.

Delegates were presented with three patient-based case puzzles and worked together reviewing clinical information to find the code that will ‘Save Dave’, a locum optometrist locked in the store cupboard.

“We were so excited to bring our first educational escape room to 100% Optical – and were not disappointed,” Alex continued. “Attendees dove into the session resources, and worked together to find their way to Save Dave and save the day. It was fabulous to see delegates so thoroughly enjoying their time learning through this interactive team workshop.”

Working together to solve the case

Announcing record-breaking attendance earlier this week, 100% Optical offered more than 140 hours of CPD across 13 different hubs. Key topics included myopia management, advances in clinical imaging, including the role of artificial intelligence, and dry eye disease.

“The ability for visitors to attend well-organised CPD seminars, and take some time with manufacturers and distributors, worked really well – and the show seemed really well attended,” said Alex.

While there was no ABDO stand this year, senior staff members were in attendance meeting with members, industry and professional colleagues.

ABDO clinical lead, Max Halford, said: “100% Optical seemed even busier this year, and it was great to have the opportunity to speak to many of the suppliers who support our work during the year, talk to the professional service teams about opportunities for dispensing opticians, and meet ABDO members taking advantage of the CPD that we delivered.

“Certainly there were innovations at the show, which could give rise to dispensing opticians expanding their scope of practice – and we will work with these suppliers to see how we can involve ABDO members,” added Max.

100% Optical 2025 takes place from 1-3 March.