A major review of the optical dispensing qualification, the first in a decade, is underway to bring the training course into line with contemporary industry practices.
As part of the measure, practice owners and employers of optical dispensers are invited to attend workshops around the country to have a say on updating the HLT47815 Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing qualification.
Directors at the Australasian College of Optical Dispensing (ACOD), with Optical Dispensers Australia (ODA) and other industry supporters, have pushed for the review “to ensure the sector remains vibrant, relevant and well-equipped to contribute effectively to Australia’s needs”.
According to ODA, it has been 10 years since the current optical dispensing qualification was last updated, leaving parts of the course “lagging behind when it comes to current industry advancements and technology”. This includes areas such as myopia management and the use of digital dispensing instruments.
Registered training organisations (RTOs) that deliver the Cert IV course, such as ACOD, must adhere to the training package set by external parties, regardless of how long ago it was last updated.
“For optical dispensing, this includes teaching several core and elective units that have become outdated since the last update in 2015,” ODA said.
HumanAbility, a not-for-profit, industry-led Jobs and Skills Council funded by the Australian Government, is leading the review.
The organisation has asked ODA, as a leading body representing the optical dispensing profession, to ask employers to participate in face-to-face or online workshops during November and December 2024 to build a picture of what the future optical dispensing qualification should look like.
According to a statement, the aim of the workshops is to thoroughly understand the current and emerging needs within the sector.
The analysis and review will focus on updating qualifications to reflect current industry practices, improve career pathways, enhance the safety and quality of training to meet today’s industry requirements, and anticipate future challenges.
More information on the project can be viewed on the project webpage.
Employers of optical dispensers wanting to attend a workshop can register for their preferred location and date here. Three online meetings are also being held.
The meeting locations and dates are:
Perth, Monday 4 November – 9am-12pm
Cottesloe North & South Room, Novotel Perth, 388 Murray Street, Perth
Adelaide, Wednesday 6 November – 10am-1pm
Matthew Flinders Room, Rydges South Park, 1 South Terrace, Adelaide
Alice Springs, Friday, 8 November – 10am-1pm
Coolibah Room, Mercure Alice Springs, 34 Stott Terrace, Alice Springs, NT 0870
Darwin, Monday 11 November – 9am-12pm
Carpentaria Room, Darwin Innovation Hub, Level 1, Paspalis Centrepoint, 48-50 Smith Street Mall, Darwin
Cairns, Wednesday 13 November – 10am-1pm
Aria 3 Room, Crystlebrook Bailey, 163 Abbott Street, Cairns, QLD 4870
Brisbane, Thursday 14 November – 2pm-5pm
Cliftons Events, Level 24, 288 Edward Street, Brisbane City
Newcastle, Monday 25 November – 2pm-5pm
Newton Boardroom, Novotel Newcastle Beach, 5 King Street, Newcastle
Sydney, Tuesday 26 November – 10am-1pm
Metro Function Room, Metro Hotel Marlow Sydney Central, 431-439 Pitt Street, Sydney
Albury, Thursday 28 November – 9am-12pm
Barnet Room, Atura Albury, 648 Dean Street, Albury, NSW 2640
Melbourne, Monday 2 December – 9am-12pm
Room 1954, Pullman Melbourne City Centre, 265 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne
Canberra, Wednesday 4 December – 9am-12pm
Arthur Boyd Conference Room, Mantra on Northbourne, 84 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra
Hobart, Tuesday 10 December – 9am-12pm
The Stables, RACV Club Hobart, 154-156 Collins Street, Hobart
Online, Tuesday, 19 November 2024 – 1pm-4pm
Microsoft Teams
Online, Friday 13 December – 9am-12pm
Microsoft Teams
Online, Tuesday 17 December – 9am-12pm
Microsoft Teams
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