ABDO currently employs staff in its London headquarters, at its Crowborough publishing office, in the CET office in Colchester, as well as the Membership Services, Marketing, Examinations and Registration departments based in Godmersham in Kent ABDO was formed in 1986 when its two predecessors, The Association of Dispensing Opticians and the Faculty of Dispensing Opticians, were merged following the Health and Social Security Act of 1984 Every year ABDO holds a national conference and exhibition where members meet for educational talks, workshop presentations accompanied by lively social events The Consultation Day will commence at 10.30am and the AGM will start at 12.30pm; it will be immediately followed by ABDO Benevolent Fund AGM