Optician Award for “truly exceptional” DO

Martyn (centre right) with Chris Bennett, Optician publisher, Stuart Laird, head of optical and superintendent optometrist at award sponsor Asda Opticians, and host Colin Murray, TV and Radio presenter

Many congratulations to dispensing optician (DO) and ABDO member, Martyn Howlett, who was named Dispensing Optician of the Year at the recent Optician Awards in London.

As senior DO for the charity SeeAbility, Martyn leads the team of DOs who supply spectacles and support strategies for successful wear in special schools. He is described as “passionate about proactive dispensing, enabling every child to achieve their visual potential”.

On receiving his award, Martyn said: “It’s a real privilege to serve the special schools and their students in this way and be considered for such a prestigious award. I am so excited to represent SeeAbility and the vital special schools eyecare service. Half of children at special schools have a problem with their eyesight, and the majority of their sight issues can be supported and treated with spectacles and the specialist skills of dispensing opticians.

“I see children every day who have previously missed out on the spectacles they need, leaving them functionally visually impaired, either because no-one thought they might need glasses, or no-one believed they would be able to tolerate them, but they are now proudly wearing them. These outcomes are possible if you have dispensing opticians as part of this service, and yet this is the element most under threat in new NHS plans for the special schools eyecare service.

Martyn is senior dispensing optician at SeeAbility

“I am proud to work alongside colleagues who believe like me that everyone has an equal right to sight,” Martyn continued. “We will keep campaigning to ensure the critical importance of the specialist skills of dispensing opticians is acknowledged for people with learning disabilities and all vulnerable patients,” Martyn added.

Lisa Donaldson, SeeAbility head of eyecare and vision, commented: “Martyn’s dedication to delivering accessible eyecare and making a difference in the lives of those with learning disabilities and autism is truly exceptional. We’re incredibly proud to see his hard work and commitment recognised.”

Martyn was nominated alongside DOs Susan Howard, Daniel Jackson and Emma Robinson.