External Affairs
International Affairs
International Opticians Association
Other Optical Organisations
International Affairs
ABDO has significant overseas interests.
We are a member of JOCEU (Joint Optical Committee for European Union affairs) along with the AOP (Association of Optometrists), The College of Optometrists, FODO (Federation of Dispensing Opticians- employers) and the GOC (General Optical Council). This body meets regularly and send representatives to ECOO (European Council on Optics and Optometry) meetings which are held throughout the year. ECOO discusses issues such as EU legislation and the provision of Europe wide professional qualifications.
ABDO provides the Secretariat for the International Opticians Association (IOA) which meets bi-annually to strengthen both professional and educational ties around the world.
In addition ABDO offers its distance learning courses internationally and currently trains and examines in 16 Countries. Our largest single operation at present is in Malaysia where we currently have over 200 students.
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International Opticians Association
ABDO is a member of the International Opticians Association (IOA).In addition ABDO provides the Secretariat. The International Secretaryis ABDO's General Secretary Sir Anthony Garrett and all correspondenceshould be addressed to 199 Gloucester Terrace, London W2 6LD.
The IOA has a Conference every alternative year. In April 2003 the IOAmet in Cape Town. The next Conference will be in Las Vegas in September2005.
The new President elected in Cape Town is Mrs Pat Tolar (USA).
At present the IOA is looking at how to harmonise qualifications betweenmember states, in particular between the UK, Australia, South Africa andNew Zealand. David Wilson of Australia is Chairing the working group onthis important issue.
Membership is open to all Opticians in the member states.
The IOA in addition to an elected President has a Council comprising offour representatives of each member Country.
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Other Optical Organisations
ABDO tries to maintain close working relationships with the other professional trade and regulatory bodies within the UK.
In February 2003 ABDO moved into a new joint headquarters building along with the Federation of Ophthalmic and Dispensing Opticians (FODO) and the Federation of Manufacturing Opticians (FMO)
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Latest Press Releases
- ADDITIONAL CET POINTS
- VISION AID OVERSEAS - BBC TV FOLLOW-UP
- CONTINUING EDUCATION AND TRAINING COURSE 31 JULY / 1 AUGUST
- New Advice and Guidelines on Professional Conduct for Dispensing Opticians
- WORKING GUIDELINES ON REGULATION CHANGES FOR DOMICILIARY PROVIDERS
- GOC Regulations - Professional Indemnity Insurance
- OPHTHALMIC LISTS REGULATIONS
- ABDO Insurance Scheme for Practice Owners
- CET Scheme - GOC Rules
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