The Association of British Dispensing Opticians has adopted Vision Aid Overseas as its official charity.

In order to assist their members to take part in overseas projects ABDO is offering four annual bursaries of £500 to contribute towards the volunteer’s contribution.

If you have already been selected to take part in an overseas project and would like to apply for sponsorship please write to:

Michelle Derbyshire
ABDO College
Godmersham Park
Godmersham
Canterbury
Kent
CT4 7DT

Alternatively you can email: mderbyshire@abdo.org.uk

Your letter should include a brief professional profile, information about the aims of the project and where you will be travelling to. Most importantly please tell us why you want to go.

Applications will be assessed by the selection committee on a quarterly basis (at the end of March, June, September and December) and you will be informed of their decision as soon as possible.

Terms and conditions:

• All applicants must be a member of ABDO and Vision Aid Overseas

• Applicants must satisfy the requirements for and already have been selected for a VAO project

• Sponsorship is allocated on a named basis for a specific trip. The selection committee must be notified in writing of any change in circumstances

• The decision of the selection committee is final. No further correspondence will be entered into

• A bursary will not be awarded to the same applicant for two consecutive years

• Application must be in writing, before the project, by the project volunteer

• ABDO requires that the successful applicant complete an article about their trip on their return, for publication in the Dispensing Optics journal

• All monies awarded to the successful applicant are paid directly to Vision Aid Overseas as a contribution towards the individual’s donation

• Failure to complete the project will result in the successful applicant refunding the sponsorship to ABDO