Inclusive Paediatric Dispensing

A Free Accredited Clinical Lecture with Dr Alicia Thompson, PhD

Ocuco is supporting the free accredited webinar “Inclusive Paediatric Dispensing” on Wednesday, October 29, at 18:30 GMT (19:30 CET).

The lecture will be presented by Dr Alicia Thompson, PhD, Research Director at the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO).

In this interactive one-hour session, Dr Thompson will explore how child-centred communication, accurate facial measurement, and evidence-based frame selection contribute to better clinical and emotional outcomes in paediatric dispensing. Supported by her doctoral research in paediatric facial anthropometry, she will guide attendees through practical strategies for making every dispensing appointment accessible and engaging for children.

The session will encourage attendees to integrate the child’s developmental stage and perspective into clinical practice, highlighting how communication style, empathy, and fitting decisions influence engagement and overall success. The lecture will also address the anatomical and optical principles behind accurate spectacle fitting for children.

This clinical lecture will cover:

How paediatric facial anthropometry informs the selection and fit of suitable spectacle frames for children.
Essential considerations when dispensing to children, from initial assessment through final fitting.
Viewing the dispensing appointment from the child’s perspective to improve their experience.
Factoring in each child’s developmental stage when communicating, assessing, and selecting frames.

The session is accredited for 1 interactive point for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians in the UK, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. Attendance is free of charge, and registration is open now on this page.

About the Presenter

Dr Alicia Thompson, PhD, BSc (Hons) FBDO R (Hons) SLD SMC (Tech) is Research Director at the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) and one of the leading voices in paediatric dispensing and optical education.

With over 35 years of experience in optics, Dr Thompson began her career as an optical technician before qualifying as a dispensing optician in 1994 and managing a successful practice. Her passion for education led her to Aston University, where she served for over a decade as clinic manager, educator, and ABDO examiner.

Alicia completed the Level 7 qualification in Spectacle Lens Design in 2006 and was appointed Director of Professional Examinations for ABDO in 2008. In 2022, she became Director of Education, Research and Professional Development, and since 2025, she has held the position of Research Director.

She earned her PhD from Aston University in 2021, where she conducted groundbreaking research into paediatric facial anthropometry and its implications for spectacle frame design. Her ongoing work aims to improve the fit and comfort of children’s eyewear by providing manufacturers with scientifically informed frame parameters.

Summary

Interactive CPD Webinar
Lecture: Inclusive Paediatric Dispensing
Presenter: Dr Alicia Thompson, PhD, Research Director, ABDO
Date: October 29, 2025
Time: 18:30 GMT | 19:30 CET
CPD: 1 Interactive Point (UK, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark)
Registration: https://tinyurl.com/4kuk8y6p