Past presidents celebrate milestones

Toasting 40 years of ABDO and 100 years of the profession

Twelve past presidents of ABDO – including the first president and vice president – gathered in London on 4 June to mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of ABDO – and the 100th anniversary of the birth of the profession.

Organised by Ros Kirk, ABDO’s first vice president and first female president, the get-together “provided a valuable opportunity to reconnect and reflect” – said immediate past president, Kevin Gutsell.

Kevin told DO Online: “This informal gathering of past presidents marked the first such reunion in several years, and it was not long before the room became a vibrant celebration of the Association’s 40th year – with our very first president, Tony Botten, alongside fellow past presidents, sharing personal recollections of the challenges and achievements that shaped the early days of ABDO.

“Their reflections offered a powerful reminder of the determination and vision required to establish and grow the profession,” Kevin continued. “Many attendees brought with them a wealth of memorabilia, including early editions of Dispensing Optics, historic photographs, and a rich collection of personal stories that captured key moments in the Association’s development. These artefacts and anecdotes brought the past to life and highlighted the progress that has been made over the decades.

“While each past president shared a unique journey and perspective, a unifying theme was clear throughout: a steadfast commitment to representing ABDO members and advancing the standing of the dispensing profession. That shared purpose continues to underpin the Association’s work today and serves as an enduring legacy of those who have led it,” Kevin added.

Ros Kirk, who received Life Membership of the Association in 2009, said: “Reminiscences of happy and difficult times, with every emotion in between, brought a great deal of happiness and laughter. Most certainly celebrating the past and hopefully inspiring the future.”

Immediate past president, Kevin Gutsell, with ABDO’s first president, Tony Botten

ABDO’s first president, Tony Botten, remarked: “Not even a total Tube strike could prevent the gathering of the presidents from 40 years of ABDO to celebrate this momentous occasion. Twelve of the best ‘40 years on, now afar and asunder’, but all of us rejoicing in the parts we have played in the founding and continued wellbeing of our professional Association, which is still the world’s benchmark for dispensing optics.

“This year also marks the centenary of the formal recognition of dispensing opticians, so there is an even greater feeling of pride in having been part of such a worthy profession.

“When I was elected as the first president, I had little idea what an amazing journey lay ahead of me, but I would urge all young DOs to consider what they can do for their profession and its future,” added Tony, who was awarded Life Membership of the Association in 2015.

Attending the celebrations, in order of term of office, were: Tony Botten (1986-1989), Ros Kirk (1989-1992), Duncan Counter (1994-1996), Colin Lee (1996-1998), Alan Parkhurst (2000-2002), Chris Packford (2002-2003), James Russell (2003-2006), Kevin Milsom (2006-2008), Jennifer Brower (2010-2013), Fiona Anderson (2016-2018), Clive Marchant (2018-2020) and Kevin Gutsell (2024-2026).

Past president unable to attend were: Richard Harsant (1992-1994), Eric Hall (1998-2000), Barry Duncan (2008-2010), Peter Black (2013-2016), Jo Holmes (2020-2022) and Daryl Newsome (2022-2024).

The current president is Brenda Rennie.