The Australasian College of Optical Dispensing (ACOD) has announced a new charity partnership that will see a portion of student fees diverted towards a service for Australians with hearing and vision impairment.
As of this month, ACOD has joined forces with the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC). The charity is the country’s largest non-government provider of therapy, education, cochlear implant and diagnostic services for adults and children with hearing or vision loss.
ACOD’s annual donation will be calculated based on a portion of student fees.
“We like the reputation of RIDBC, as they are the second longest-running charity in Australia,” ACOD director and senior trainer Mr Chedy Kalach said.
“Other companies support Fred Hollows or Brien Holden, but many optical dispensers and optometrists tend just to refer to RIDBC, and don’t have the awareness of the great work the charity is doing. With our partnership, we hope to build that link with RIDBC and increase awareness.”
RIDBC delivers its service across 18 sites in Australia, and includes an outreach program that supports clients in regional areas.
In 2018, government funding accounted for 27% of RIDBC’s total funding, which was supplemented by 16% from charitable fundraising and 21% from bequests, among others. That year, 79% of its expenditure went towards student and client services.
Ms Melissa Bergin, RIDBC director of community partnerships and fundraising, said: “We are pleased that ACOD have chosen RIDBC as their charity of choice.
“Through the generous financial support from ACOD we are able to help achieve the best outcomes for current and future generations of Australians with vision and/or hearing loss.”
The charity is supported by a range of qualified professionals, including teachers, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, audiologists, orthoptists, psychologists, social workers, technology consultants, physiotherapists, and ear, nose and throat surgeons, among others.
