The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) is delighted to announce a new partnership with the University of Plymouth, which will deliver the ABDO Level 6 dispensing optician apprenticeship from September.
The collaboration represents an important expansion of ABDO’s network of approved training providers and increases access to high-quality dispensing optician education, particularly within the South West region.
ABDO representatives, including head of professional qualifications Dean Dunning and one of our lead ophthalmic dispensing assessors, Debbie Chatten-Smith, recently visited the university to review its facilities and plans for delivering the programme.
Following the visit, Dean Dunning commented: “We are really excited to be partnering with the University of Plymouth. They are an extremely well-established optometry university with ideal resources to offer the apprenticeship in ophthalmic dispensing, complementing their existing provision.
“It was great to meet the team and hear their plans. Their strong experience in blended learning delivery will suit the apprenticeship model exceptionally well, and I am very confident that this will be a successful partnership.”
The apprenticeship will be supported by the university’s School of Health Professions, including facilities at the Heart of Plymouth Centre and the new Centre for Eyecare Excellence at Hepworth House, designed to provide apprentices with both theoretical knowledge and practical clinical skills.
Dean Dunning added: “A highlight of the visit was seeing the new buildings that will support the programme. It is clear that significant thought has gone into creating an environment that will prepare apprentices to become successful dispensing opticians and ABDO fellows.”
ABDO senior examiner Debbie Chatten-Smith welcomed the addition of a new training location, particularly in the south west: “Considering the geographical distribution of current providers, a south west location is very welcome. The University of Plymouth already delivers a highly successful optometry programme, and this is a fantastic addition to ABDO’s partner training institutions.”
She added: “The facilities and planned delivery offer an exciting insight into how the programme will run, and I look forward to working with the university as part of ABDO’s examinations team.”
Developed in close collaboration with ABDO, the Level 6 apprenticeship has been designed to reflect the evolving needs of employers and learners, supporting the development of a highly skilled optical workforce.
Claire Gorman, academic lead for vision sciences at the University of Plymouth, said: “We are excited to be working in partnership with ABDO. Their guidance throughout the development of this course has been greatly valued, and we look forward to continuing this collaboration as the programme begins.”
The programme also aligns with wider workforce priorities. Professor Sally Abey, head of the School of Health Professions, noted that the apprenticeship will play a key role in training the next generation of dispensing opticians to meet demand across the UK.
Through this partnership, ABDO continues to expand access to professional qualifications while maintaining its commitment to high standards in education and training.
Find out more about the Level 6 dispensing optician apprenticeship here.
Optometry Scotland is the representative body for optometrists and dispensing opticians in Scotland. This press release has been shared on behalf of an external organisation.
If you have any questions, please contact the OS office at office@optometryscotland.org.uk.