Regional lead update: North West of England

Daniel with Rachel after graduation

Spring was an incredibly busy and positive period across the North West region, with plenty happening within dispensing optics education, professional development and workforce progression.

One of the most rewarding parts of being an ABDO regional lead is seeing and supporting members as they invest in their careers and the profession – and recent months have certainly provided plenty of reasons to feel optimistic about the future.

A highlight of the season was attending the ABDO Graduation and Prize Giving Ceremony at Canterbury Cathedral in May, celebrating the achievements of newly-qualified dispensing opticians (DOs) and those progressing through higher level qualifications. Graduation is always a fantastic reminder of the dedication, resilience and professionalism that exists within our profession, and it was wonderful to see learners from across the country recognised for their achievements in such an iconic setting.

It was especially encouraging to see learners continuing their professional development beyond core qualification level. Among those graduating was Rachel Ismay from Specsavers in Weston Favell, who achieved the highest overall FQE results nationally in 2025 before progressing onto further study through the ABDO College contact lens programme. I was delighted to congratulate her on her achievements. I find stories like Rachel’s highlight the opportunities available within the profession and demonstrate the value of continued learning and ambition within dispensing optics.

Passionate about paediatrics

Paediatric dispensing is an area that many DOs feel particularly passionate about – and the ABDO Level 7 Diploma in Paediatric Eyecare supports this. Its importance continues to grow as practices increasingly recognise the value of enhanced dispensing knowledge in this field. This is especially true as new challenges emerge, such as managing progressing myopia and navigating communication difficulties when supporting children and their families.

For many practitioners, the ability to positively influence a child’s visual development is incredibly rewarding. Following that child throughout their life, helping them achieve the best possible visual potential, and building their confidence and experience of eyecare is something that stays with you throughout your career. Qualifications such as ABDO’s paediatric dispensing diploma allow practitioners to develop specialist knowledge and reinforce the increasingly important role DOs play within modern multidisciplinary eyecare.

Exciting opportunities ahead

Across the North West, I have had some really positive conversations with members around professional development pathways and further qualifications. It is encouraging to see practices supporting colleagues’ ambitions, particularly when workforce development and retention remain such important topics across healthcare professions.

Alongside this, enrolments are once again opening for ophthalmic dispensing, optical assistant and contact lens courses. This always feels like an exciting point in the year, particularly as practices begin planning for the future and considering how they can continue strengthening their teams. Seeing new learners beginning their journey into dispensing optics is always encouraging, and reminds us that the future of the profession relies on continued investment in education and mentorship.

There have also been wider conversations taking place throughout optics following ongoing NHS England and integrated care board changes. While periods of transition can naturally create uncertainty, they also create opportunities to demonstrate the value that DOs bring to patient care and the wider primary care landscape. Continuing to champion education, professional standards and workforce development will remain essential as the profession evolves.

Following our recent regional lead strategy meeting in Canterbury, there is a real sense of enthusiasm around increasing engagement, supporting members and continuing to create meaningful opportunities for professional growth across the regions. Whether through qualification, additional accreditation, CPD, local events or peer support, it is always encouraging to see members sharing knowledge and experiences as part of their wider professional development.

As regional leads, we are fortunate to regularly see the passion and commitment that exists throughout the profession – from new learners taking their first steps into optics, through to experienced practitioners continuing to develop specialist interests and mentor the next generation. The continued willingness to learn, adapt and support each other is one of the profession’s greatest strengths, and there are certainly many reasons to feel positive about what lies ahead for dispensing optics.

ABDO’s regional lead for the North West of England, Daniel Green FBDO is head of dispensing development at Specsavers, and a General Optical Council Education Committee panel member. Email dgreen@abdo.org.uk