ABDO’s Annual Consultation Day report

The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) held its annual consultation day on 31 October

The event brought together the ABDO board, staff and members in a chance to hear about the organisation’s activities and ask questions.

After a welcome from the General Secretary, Tony Garrett, ABDO President Daryl Newsome gave a report of the Association’s activities for 2021.

Daryl said: “The purpose of the ABDO members consultation day is to give the ABDO board of directors the opportunity to report the previous year’s activities to the membership. Our summery report of 2021 was presented by myself as ABDO President. The event went well, with six reports from senior staff before our question and answer session. Overall, I felt the day was successful and fulfilled its purpose.”

Mr Pavanakumar, ABDO Chief Finance Officer (CFO), delivered the financial statement of accounts of the Association for the year 2021, which was followed by questions.

The ABDO Benevolent Fund Annual Meeting was held immediately after the ABDO Annual Meeting. Jo Holmes, Chair of the Benevolent Fund, gave a report of the Benevolent Fund activities, followed by its financial report for 2021 from Mr Pavanakumar. The retiring trustees, David Kirk and Maureen Taylor, were thanked, and the ABDO Board nomination of Mike Cody and Jill Umpleby as new trustees was ratified, while Heather Hows was re-elected. There were then questions to the Chair of the Benevolent Fund and CFO.

The main part of the Consultation Meeting was introduced by Daryl Newsome, President. Alistair Bridge, ABDO Head of Strategy, gave an update on the General Optical Council’s ongoing review of the Opticians Act. Miranda Richardson, ABDO Head of Education and Examinations, gave an update on the Education Strategic Review and DO apprenticeships. Alex Webster, ABDO Head of CPD, then updated attendees about progress in CPD in 2021-2 and plans for 2023. Debbie McGill, ABDO Head of Policy and Public Affairs, spoke on progress in the devolved nations. Antonia Chitty, ABDO Head of Communications and IT, spoke about ABDO communications activities and gave an update on the Association’s sustainability campaign. The event concluded with a look at the year ahead from Alistair Bridge and Nick Walsh, ABDO Head of Corporate Development, followed by questions from members on topics ranging from career development to menopause.

Picture by Edward Moss Photography
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