Optical Bodies celebrate historic connection

Optical Bodies celebrate historic connection

New corporate support agreement cements the historic connection between  ABDO and The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers

The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers “WCSM”) is delighted to welcome the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) as Gold Corporate Supporters of the Company for 2025 following signature of a formal agreement.

ABDO become the second organisation, after Rayner, to commit to supporting the work of WCSM and particularly its outreach activity including the annual Spectacle Makers’ Lecture, information sessions within the City of London on eye health and its research medal programme.

WCSM was a principal supporter of the merger of the Faculty of Dispensing Opticians and the Association of Dispensing Opticians which led to the formation of ABDO in 1986. The connection between those organisations and WCSM’s recognition of the importance of dispensing optics extends even further back in time. Several of the Company’s Masters have been Dispensing Opticians.

When, in 2015, the WCSM Education Trust took the decision to stop running courses for optical technicians and optical assistants, it worked with ABDO to arrange for ABDO College to take on that training function. ABDO College today offers two courses for optical assistants and senior optical assistants to help increase skills and maintain clear steps on a recognised career ladder for people working in independent practices.

ABDO shares WCSM’s key belief that, in the 21^st Century, nobody should be held back because of their vision. Both support the recognition of ever greater professionalisation of eye health care and the advances in training and technology which will equip the next generation for the increasing demands for eye health care arising from an ageing population and the growth in therapies and treatments for the management of conditions such as myopia and glaucoma.

The Master Spectacle Maker, Liz Shilling, said she was delighted to see the relationship between the organisations cemented by this new Gold Corporate Supporter agreement.

“Eye health care in the 21^st Century is about teamwork and dispensing opticians are a crucial part of the team. As ABDO moves towards its 50^th Anniversary and the Company approaches its 400^th Anniversary, we look forward to continuing to work together and supporting each other”.

Alistair Bridge, ABDO’s CEO, commented, “WCSM plays a unique role in bringing together colleagues from every part of the optical sector, all with a commitment to excellent eye care, and to promoting eye health and inclusion for people with sight loss. We are pleased to support and contribute to this work as we continue to highlight the essential role of dispensing opticians in serving the needs of patients.”