April Petrusma
Organisation: Optical Dispensers Australia (ODA), CEO
Area of interest: Optical Dispensing
This year will see a rise in qualified optical dispenser numbers thanks to the influx of students undertaking the Cert IV in Optical Dispensing Certificate over the past two years. This was because of government training initiatives and subsidies during COVID to encourage upskilling and traineeships. We’re now seeing those students graduate and take their skills back into the workplace. From here, it’s important employers, and the industry alike, keep them engaged and encourage professional development to cement a lifelong career.
The ODA voluntary CPD program has proven popular in its inaugural year and will be bigger in 2023. The 2022 program was heavily focused on web-based content but the new program will have more face-to-face options throughout the year and across multiple locations.
This year will see the first biennial Optical Dispensers Australia Conference and National Excellence Awards in Sydney 28-29 April. Created by dispensers for dispensers, the event is an Australian-first with a two-day program complemented by a dedicated trade space, together with an evening recognising the achievements of outstanding dispensers and Cert IV graduates.
