Post from the president

Make the most of all the resources available

After what seems to have been a challenging winter, we now finally enter the month when the clocks move forward – marking the beginning of British Summer Time.

At the time of writing, I was very much looking forward to seeing members at 100% Optical, taking place in London over the first three days of March. As always, there will be much to see and learn at the event – so please take the opportunity to gain those important CPD points, learn about new practice business strategies, and discover the latest innovations from our industry suppliers.

I recently attended the SightCare Business Conference in Telford and enjoyed meeting with its members, speakers and exhibitors. There was a great atmosphere at the event, and I came away thinking that it does not matter how long you’ve been in this business, there is always something to learn. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one to understand both how important and how positive these events are, enabling delegates to take home a range of actions regarding what they’ve seen and heard.

During January, I started to plan visits to colleges with students undertaking their FBDO. Thank you to the staff at ABDO College, Bradford College and Capital City College who afforded me some valuable time during their busy schedules to speak with students. I am looking forward to hearing about their experiences as they continue their studies, and about their plans for the future once they achieve their professional qualification.

Some important dates for your diary in March include World Glaucoma Week (9-15 March), No Smoking Day (12 March) and Nutrition and Hydration Week (17-23 March). All of these campaigns relate to the eyes and vision, and we should be embracing them within our social media posts, websites and where possible within the practice. Make sure you download and utilise any relevant resources from the ABDO EyecareFAQ hub – as well as those being offered by the organisations behind these important awareness campaigns.

I look forward to continue engaging with, listening to, and speaking with members in my capacity as ABDO president at national and regional events.

If you would like to contact me direct to discuss anything specific, then please email me at kgutsell@abdo.org.uk