ABDO appoints as communications and engagement director

ABDO appoints Gavin Berkerey as communications and engagement director

The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) is pleased to announce the appointment of Gavin Berkerey as its new communications and engagement director. In this role,

Gavin will join ABDO’s senior leadership team and take responsibility for the organisation’s membership and communications functions.

This newly created position reflects ABDO’s commitment to strengthening engagement and raising awareness of the expertise and value that dispensing opticians bring to eyecare. Gavin will also oversee the communications and marketing activity of ABDO College, promoting the range of specialist education it offers, including the FBDO apprenticeship.

Gavin brings extensive experience in marketing and communications, having worked for leading agencies and in industry before moving into the membership arena. Most notably, he served as head of membership and marketing at the Royal Society of Medicine, where he played a key role in driving member engagement and strategic growth.

Gavin says, “It’s a privilege to support an organisation whose purpose is so clear and impactful: to represent and champion its members, promote awareness of their vital roles, enable their professional development, and advance the profession. I’m looking forward to working with the talented teams at ABDO and ABDO College to deepen member engagement, strengthen communications and marketing, and help shape the future of dispensing opticians.”

Commenting on Gavin’s appointment, ABDO chief executive Alistair Bridge says, “Gavin brings a wealth of experience to this important new role. His fresh thinking and ideas will be invaluable as we work to enhance our engagement with members, highlighting their expertise and the excellent patient care they provide, as well as promote the extensive educational opportunities provided by ABDO College.”