Pay and reward survey

Your voice matters: insights and next steps from ABDO’s Pay and Reward Survey

We are pleased to share ABDO’s new Pay and Reward Survey, which builds on concerns raised in our previous membership research and aims to provide a clear, evidence‑based picture of salaries, recognition, benefits and progression across the profession.

Your feedback has already told us a powerful story: many dispensing opticians (DOs) and contact lens opticians (CLOs) feel undervalued, unclear about progression routes, and want stronger links between responsibility, professional development and reward. The new survey findings help us understand this in greater depth – and, crucially, set the direction for the action ABDO will now take.

What the findings show

The survey, completed by 27% of those contacted, highlights:

  • A detailed benchmark of salary and benefits across roles, regions and employer types
  • A benchmark of professional value and recognition levels from patients, colleagues and employers
  • A significant 69% of respondents do not feel their pay and benefits reflect their responsibilities

This feedback confirms what many members have shared: pay, recognition and progression need greater clarity, fairness and consistency across the sector.

How ABDO is responding

Using the survey insights, we are taking forward a programme of work to support members and influence change with employers:

A new pay benchmarking tool for members
An online tool will be developed to allow you to compare your salary with anonymized averages based on region, role, employer type and responsibilities – supporting evidence‑based conversations about pay and progression.

Stronger engagement with employers
We will be meeting with employers of all sizes to discuss the findings and highlighting areas for action, including:

  • the gender pay gap
  • improving recognition for DOs and CLOs
  • strengthening links between qualifications, responsibility and reward
  • developing clearer, more consistent progression pathways

New resources to support your development
We will be producing practical guidance to help you prepare for appraisals, understand how responsibilities and qualifications link to progression, and access learning opportunities through ABDO and other partners.

Championing the profession collectively
By sharing data openly and working collaboratively across the sector, we aim to strengthen recognition of the vital role DOs and CLOs play in patient care and practice performance.

We want to hear from you

This survey marks an important first step. Continued progress depends on your experience, insight and ideas.

Please take time to read the Pay and Reward Survey.

Share your views, examples and suggestions with us.

Your input will shape future resources, tools and conversations with employers.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to the profession and for helping us drive positive change.

Pay and Reward Survey