Plymouth opticians celebrate 100-year anniversary
VISIONARY dispensing opticians were visited as part of special celebrations to mark 100 years of sight-enhancing care.
The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) attended the Specsavers Plymouth store on Armada Way to recognise the vital role the professionals they’ve helped train play in delivering high‑quality primary eye care and supporting communities.
Dispensing opticians are trained eye care professionals who turn prescriptions into tailored, high-quality visual solutions and eyewear, and help support ongoing eye health. ABDO, the professional body for dispensing opticians, is visiting local opticians across the country during 2026 to mark 100 years of the profession.
The store has had four dispensing opticians qualify in the past year, including store manager Liam Salmond.
He says: ‘Throughout the dispensing optician course ABDO were very supportive, whether through the college, the examinations team or through the structure of the course itself. The course definitely prepared us to be confident in our role as dispensing opticians.
‘In a large store like ours, our team are incredibly grateful to have the support of four newly qualified dispensing opticians.’
Deborah Bill, ABDO vice president, says: ‘Our centenary year is about celebrating dispensing opticians and the difference they make to eye health. Visiting practices like Specsavers Plymouth brings that to life. I pay tribute to the dispensing opticians in the store, and their colleagues, for what they do every day.’
Recently qualified Brenna Salmond said she and her colleagues were delighted to welcome the ABDO vice president to the store.
She adds: ‘I really enjoyed my time at ABDO and I will always look back and appreciate all the fond memories I made. I made friends for life with fellow dispensing opticians and appreciate all the work the lecturers put in for every lecture.
‘They really helped me to feel confident and prepared for being qualified and what is expected and what it means to be a healthcare professional. I appreciate their ongoing support for the recognition of dispensing opticians and continuing to offer development with further courses available.’
ABDO’s centenary celebrations will continue throughout the year, with events taking place to honour the profession’s history and inspire the next generation of dispensing opticians.
Lewis Morgan, a newly qualified a dispensing optician at Specsavers Plymouth, says: ‘I became a dispensing optician so I could feel confident that I can help every patient who walks through the door at our practice. I also have a passion for contact lenses and wanted to use the dispensing optician course as a gateway to train as a contact lens optician.
‘I know our practice really benefits from having a team of dispensing opticians who are all very knowledgeable and can assist with more complex dispenses and provide a high level of care for all patients.’
Scarlett Reilly, who also qualified as a dispensing optician in the past year, adds: ‘Completing the dispensing optician course with ABDO was a positive experience.
‘Throughout the duration of the course, I had the support from the college tutors and lecturers and overall course structure, which helped build both my knowledge and confidence within my role and in practice.
‘ABDO has continued to support dispensing opticians beyond qualification, which is particularly useful to keep up to date with new knowledge.
‘I’m excited to continue my professional development through ABDO college again, to complete the Contact Lens Diploma.’
