ABDO graduation 2025

ABDO graduation

The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) celebrated the graduation of dispensing opticians and contact lens opticians at Canterbury Cathedral on Tuesday 20 May. 

The annual ceremony is a time-honoured tradition where graduands approach the dais one by one to be congratulated by the ABDO professional qualifications director, Miranda Richardson. The ceremonial handshake indicates the moment when graduands become graduates and become a full part of the profession of dispensing optics. ABDO president Kevin Gutsell, and Mike Harris, Master of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers, both addressed the graduands and their families and supporters who were in attendance.

Prizes were awarded to students and graduates for the best achievements and top marks in exams supported by industry sponsors, and the Professional Certificate in Paediatric Eyecare was awarded for the first time.

Kevin Gutsell, said, “Graduation is such an important day for those who have worked hard for three years to reach the goal of becoming a qualified dispensing optician.

“In addition, we honoured a student who worked so hard through the course, and then have fate take away his opportunity to qualify. This was so emotional yet uplifting in the way those at the practice in which he worked wanted to honour him as well and what he would have become – a day to recognise achievement and what should have been.

“The weather meant that I could join graduands, family and friends in the excitement before and celebrations after the formalities in the grounds of the beautiful Canterbury Cathedral. The event as usual was one of celebration with family and friends as well as marking the end of three years of hard work, some struggles and of making new friends. Here’s to the future of dispensing optics.”