SEVENTY years of ophthalmic teaching at Bradford College has been celebrated, with many former students re-uniting to celebrate.

Clive Marchant, current president of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians, was among the guests at the event.

Mr Marchant, who studied at Bradford College from 1977 to 1980, was on hand to present awards to the current crop of students at the college.

Mr Marchant said: “It is great to come back and help Bradford College celebrate its 70th anniversary of training dispensing opticians.

“Bradford College as a learning institution is highly rated in the industry, and it is lovely to meet current students as they are the future eye care professionals.

“Now is a great time to be getting into the industry – it is a time of innovation and change.

“It is great to see first-hand the excellent work Bradford College is doing to bring these students through.”

Robin Rohu, lecturer in Ophthalmic Dispensing at Bradford College, added: "In the 70 years that Bradford College has been delivering Ophthalmic Dispensing there have been dramatic shifts in the optical industry as well as in education but University Centre Bradford College has remained at the forefront of delivering ophthalmic education in the north of England.

“As well as reflecting on our history, the celebration was a chance to look forward to the future, as we strive to develop education in the industry for the next 70 years.”

At the awards ceremony, Rachael Smith was named best overall student and won the Bradford College Trophy, while Thaiba Kanaat won best practical dispensing skills at degree level, and Bliss Rycroft won the same award for foundation level.

Miss Smith also won best foundation level student, and Hina Patel was named best degree level student.

Paula Burke picked up the Personal Achievement Award, Mariam Aziz was honoured for having the best research project, and Sukhvir Singh and Sukhvinder Virdee received Practice Placement Recognition Awards.