Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) College

About

ABDO, the Association of British Dispensing Opticians, represents 6,361 qualified dispensing opticians in the UK. The Association also has 222 members overseas, 352 associate members and 1,622 student members worldwide.

Visit the ABDO website

Course/s

Dispensing Optics

These courses are being delivered under the Dispensing Handbook (2011):

  • BSc (Hons) Ophthalmic Dispensing
  • Fellowship Dispensing Diploma
  • FD Ophthalmic Dispensing

The last intake for the BSc (Hons) Ophthalmic Dispensing, Fellowship Dispensing Diploma and FD Ophthalmic Dispensing qualifications was the 2022/23 academic year. ABDO College will no longer be a GOC-approved provider of dispensing optics after all students have graduated from, or ceased studying on, these qualifications.

ABDO College will deliver education on behalf of Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) Examinations being delivered under the Education and Training Requirements (2021) and leading to the following award:

  • ABDO Level 6 Diploma in Ophthalmic Dispensing

The first intake for this qualification is the 2023/24 academic year. 

Contact Lens

This course is being delivered under the Contact Lens Handbook (2007):

  • Contact Lens Certificate Course

Latest list of quality assurance reports

Programme Last visit Approval status Latest report Requirements
  • Fellowship Dispensing Diploma
  • Foundation Degree in Ophthalmic Dispensing
  • BSc (Hons) Ophthalmic Dispensing
February 2024 Full approval ABDO College Dispensing Visit Report - February 2024 Dispensing Handbook (2011)
Contact Lens Programme March 2022 Full approval ABDO College Contact Lens Visit Report - March 2022 Contact Lens Handbook (2007)