Regional lead update: South East of England

Lynne supporting a workshop at the 2025 ABDO Clinical Conference

“What do you want to do when you grow up?” is a question we’ve all been asked. I knew I enjoyed science, talking to people and had an interest in fashion, but little did I know these passions would lead me into the world of optics and a professional Association that this year celebrates its centenary.

After more than 30 years as a dispensing optician (DO), I still look forward to each day and the individual challenges each patient brings. As eyecare clinicians in primary care, we occupy a unique position as healthcare professionals working in a retail environment. As our profession has evolved, we have expanded our scope of practice and skill sets, yet the core remains the same: ensuring every patient leaves with a well-fitting, accurately measured, stylish pair of spectacles that meets their visual needs, and better educated about what a DO does.

In my new role, the question I am now asked is: “What does a regional lead do?” In short, we work to help deliver ABDO’s strategic goals and act for members in our regions, supported by the senior leadership team (SLT) and ABDO Board members. A key positive is that regional leads come from varied backgrounds, with different interests and qualifications, and cover the whole of the UK. Distinct national legislations and differing member and patient demographics shape our responsibilities and workload. Our main role is to act as a conduit between members and ABDO, ensuring a two-way flow of information.

The regional leads meet remotely once a month with Ed Fox, head of membership, and Carol Smith, communications manager, and are often joined by guest speakers from ABDO departments. We hold face-to-face meetings to discuss issues in depth and provide feedback from members to the SLT. We also plan for future events, such as how we can contribute to the upcoming centenary celebrations.

Advocating for members

At our most recent meeting, following the ABDO Clinical Conference, we reviewed the consultations and public facing work ABDO engaged in during 2025. These included General Optical Council consultations, the Mumsnet children’s eyecare survey, proposals around updates to DVLA driving standards, and the consultation on the Human Medicines Regulations 2012.

Such initiatives help shape the future of our profession and ensure DO voices are heard. The ABDO Pay and Reward survey results will soon be published, giving us a clearer understanding of how DOs are valued in practice.

Historically, ABDO membership centred around touch points such as annual subscriptions, Dispensing Optics journal and, for those who remember, the much loved diary. Today, we are building on that foundation by creating more opportunities for ongoing engagement and support.

Through the regional lead team, we aim to increase these touch points and spent time discussing how we will achieve this. You’ll notice more targeted emails from ABDO departments and the quarterly newsletters from regional leads with local news and updates. Please check that you are on the mailing list, as these emails contain a wealth of information.

Events that ABDO runs and attends remain a priority, as they provide crucial opportunities to meet members face-to-face. They include the Graduation and Prize Giving Ceremony, CPD events and supplier-led events. Preparations for this year’s graduation ceremony in May are well underway. For those sitting exams or awaiting results, I wish you good luck and hope you will join the regional leads at Canterbury Cathedral. It will be our first opportunity to meet many of you, and we will be with you as you progress in your career.

A major focus for regional leads in England is supporting DOs to join and contribute effectively to local optical committees (LOCs). Under the NHS 10 Year Health Plan, changes to patient care will be significant, and LOCs will play an increasingly vital role. Having DO representation on every LOC is essential for greater recognition of our profession.

In my region, I’ve invited DOs to meet and share ideas on supporting LOCs. Feedback from these meetings highlighted the need for more information from ABDO for DOs on committees. I now produce newsletters DOs can use at LOC meetings to educate and inform committee members about ABDO. We plan to expand this initiative nationwide later this year.

So, in answer to the question: essentially, we are the face of ABDO in the regions – here to help, mentor, assist, guide and keep you informed. Individually, we are available for support; collectively, we bring a wealth of experience and knowledge. If you have a query, someone will have the answer. Please visit the regional leads team webpage for our contact details.

Lynne Pulley FBDO is ABDO regional lead for the South East of England. She currently works as a locum across south east London and Kent. Email lpulley@abdo.org.uk

ABDO is currently seeking a regional lead for the North of England, with a closing date of 4 January 2026 for applications.