Professional Matters Optometry & Dispensing
Sir Tony Garrett, has officially retired from his role with ABDO College
Sir Tony Garrett, has officially retired from his role with ABDO College
Tony Garrett, former general secretary of ABDO, has officially retired from his role with ABDO College, which he was instrumental in establishing more than 20 years ago.
(Acknowledgements to Dispensing Optics)
“It is hard to believe that in spring 1999, I was asked by the then ABDO council to look at the existing plan to establish a college for student dispensing opticians. Within two years, we had opened the doors to Godmersham with a business plan in place. Crucially, we had made the vital appointment of Jo Underwood as principal.
“More than half the profession have been through the College doors over the past 22 years. Jo’s leadership, supported by a dedicated team of lecturers and support staff, ensured our continued success and helped us weather the financial crash in 2008/9 and more recently the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It has been a great honour to have been tasked with establishing ABDO College and managing it for so many years. I would like to thank all those on the staff as well as the trustees who have supported me over the years. I would particularly like to thank the various chairs of trustees for their dedication and support. It is a role fulfilled by often unsung heroes.
“I wish the College every success as it embraces the new and challenging world of optical education. I am sure that with Rob Cubbidge leading the academic team, supported by Clive Marchant as chair of the trustees, and Alistair Bridge, my successor, the College will continue to grow and thrive. Thank you for the opportunity of a lifetime,” Tony added.
ABDO CEO, Alistair Bridge, said: “Tony was instrumental in everything which ABDO has achieved for its members over the last 25 years, including the creation of ABDO College. I would like to thank him for all his support and encouragement, and wish him a long and fulfilling retirement.”
Ed: I wish Tony well in his retirement, he proved a leading light among those leading examination and membership bodies from the minute he took up the role.
