Brenda Rennie appointed as new ABDO president

The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) is pleased to announce the appointment of Brenda Rennie as its new President, succeeding Kevin Gutsell.

Brenda officially takes on the role following her tenure as vice president, bringing with her a wealth of experience, dedication, and an inspiring personal journey within the profession.

Brenda Rennie’s pathway into dispensing optics is a testament to determination and resilience. Beginning her professional life in a very different role, she worked as a van driver while embarking on her FBDO studies through distance learning. Despite being a spectacle wearer from a young age, optics was not initially a career path she considered after leaving school. It was not until her 30s, encouraged by a local optometrist Charles MacKinnon, that she made the transformative decision to return to education and pursue a career in dispensing optics.

After qualifying in 2001, Brenda became actively involved with ABDO, initially engaging with the former Area 12 in Scotland. Her commitment to the profession continued to grow, and in 2017 she made history as ABDO’s first regional lead in Scotland. In this role, she has strongly advocated for members, emphasising the importance of local engagement and representation within the Association. Brenda is also an ABDO examiner and practice visitor.

Brenda also represents ABDO at a national level, sitting on Optometry Scotland’s Board and council committees. Her involvement extends further across key organisations, including Public Service Delivery Scotland and the Scottish Government, ensuring that the voices of dispensing opticians are heard at the highest levels of decision-making.
In 2018, Brenda was elected to the ABDO Board by the membership, gaining valuable insight into the strategic direction and challenges facing the profession. Her leadership journey continued in 2024 when she was elected as ABDO vice president — one of her most significant professional milestones to date.
Brenda is committed to supporting members at every stage of their careers, from students to experienced professionals. She strongly encourages engagement with ABDO, highlighting the personal and professional benefits of being actively involved in the Association.
The vice president role is handed over to Debroah Bill, who brings more than three decades of experience in dispensing optics, education and clinical governance to her new leadership role.
Commenting on her appointment, Brenda said, “I am thankful to everyone who has cheered me on throughout my journey so far – and I’m looking forward to working closely with Deborah and the ABDO Board and chief executive Alistair Bridge over the next two years. I would like to thank outgoing president Kevin Gutsell for his work over the past two years.
“I want to promote our profession through collaborative working and continue essential engagement with governments across the UK – especially in relation to the development of clinical services that recognise the expertise of dispensing opticians and contact lens opticians. This ensures that the interdisciplinary skills of DOs, CLOs and LVOs are fully recognised and utilised.”
Outgoing president Kevin Gutsell is recognised for his dedication and leadership during his tenure, and ABDO expresses its sincere gratitude for his contributions to the organisation and the profession.