Revision booster at the NRC

We welcomed 110 optical students for the 2024 ABDO Student Revision Event on 13 and 14 February. It proved once again the value of face-to-face, practical support for the final year of the FBDO (fellowship) course.

Sponsored by Stepper UK, it prepares people for Unit 12 of the Level 6 Diploma in ophthalmic dispensing (2015 syllabus) and includes workshops tailored to each section of the exams. It was the first time the two-day function was held here at the NRC.

Building confidence

Katharine Martin, a third-year student studying the BSc Honours degree in ophthalmic dispensing at ABDO College, said: “I jumped at the chance to secure a place for the revision event. I absolutely loved it.

“It was really informative and I came away feeling a lot more confident and prepared for the final qualifying examinations (FQE) in the summer. We covered each section of the exams in great detail – and the examiners were available throughout to answer students’ questions or offer support and advice. All of them were friendly, welcoming and approachable, which is so important when dealing with nervous third-year students.”

Katharine also praised the “relaxed, calm atmosphere”. With lunchboxes provided on both days, along with a selection of homemade cakes, sweet treats (including vegan options) and fruit, the students were well catered for.

“We certainly weren’t left feeling hungry,” Katharine added. “I was amazed at the choice and felt that a lot of time and effort had gone into planning the event for us all.

“I would highly recommend future third-year students attend this event. It has helped me gain clarity into what is expected of me on exam day, and how best to prepare between now and the summer when I sit my practical exams.”

Students “engaged and professional”

Miranda Richardson, ABDO head of professional qualifications and education, organised the function: “It was lovely to deliver the event at the ABDO NRC, and both lectures and practical workshops over the two days worked very well. I would like to thank the examiners and staff, who were all instrumental in delivering a relaxed but informative event. The students were a pleasure to work alongside; very engaged and professional and a credit to their training institutes.”

ABDO president Daryl Newsome acted as a practical examiner: “The students were engaged and the atmosphere was genuinely very upbeat. I have never done one of these events when I haven’t learned something from the students whilst also trying to help them revise their syllabus.

“My advice to these students going forwards is to get involved with their profession, commit to life-long learning, be a proud dispensing optician, challenge anything they think is wrong, and be ambassadors for ABDO. I thank Miranda and Dean for producing another fantastic experience for all involved, and wish all students the best of luck for their examinations in the summer,” added Daryl.

• The next ABDO Student Revision Event will take place in February 2025.