04 September 2020

Optical sector organisations unveil plans to sell headquarters

The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO), FODO and FMO have announced plans to sell their joint London headquarters as part of modernising operations. The three associations are to switch to remote working and flexible onsite offices across the UK on a long-term basis.

Tony Garrett, ABDO General Secretary, said: “199 has been a great joint venture between the sector’s leading optical bodies, but the Covid pandemic means we are bringing forward our plans to work differently beyond the traditional London headquarters model. We will all continue to work closely together as we move to new ways of working through and beyond the pandemic.”

Harjit Sandhu, Managing Director FODO, said: “We have had longstanding plans to work in a more agile way while representing providers across the UK and Ireland. This new operating model will allow us maximum flexibility to meet the needs of members in the years ahead, including remote working and using office space across the UK and Ireland.”

Stuart Burn, Chair FMO, added: “With all our organisations shifting to remote working and making use of locations outside London, now is the right time to rethink the London HQ model. We will continue to work closely with ABDO and FODO and use the ABDO National Resource Centre in Birmingham, which is available for the profession to use for bigger occasions.”

ENDS

Notes for Editors 

199 Gloucester Terrace, Paddington was jointly purchased by ABDO, FODO and FMO in 2000. The three bodies have shared facilities and staff and worked closely together ever since, achieving considerable operational savings for members that span the optical sector. 

ABDO represents over 6000 qualified dispensing opticians in the United Kingdom. It aims to support, protect and advance the character, status and interests of dispensing opticians.  ABDO media enquiries to Antonia Chitty [email protected], other enquiries to [email protected].

FODO is the leading national association for eye care providers working in primary and community care settings. Each year our members provide over 18 million eye examinations and offer a wide range of other eye care services across the UK. FODO media enquiries to [email protected].

FMO is the UK’s trade association for optical suppliers. We promote standards, provide support and guidance for members and encourage collaboration between optical manufacturers and distributors. [email protected]