A new professional body for Australian optical dispensers has been established with the backing of the International Opticians Association (IOA). Its founders believe it will address increasing unrest within the profession over limited opportunities for professional development and networking, while offering support for employment and career matters.
Optical Dispensers Australia (ODA) – which officially launched on 10 January – has been founded by Australasian College of Optical Dispensing (ACOD) directors Mr James Gibbins and Mr Chedy Kalach, and one of the college’s senior lecturers Ms April Petrusma.
The professional network will run independently of ACOD and will offer three membership levels with varying benefits: Qualified Optical Dispenser (must show proof of qualification), Affiliate (associates and other practice/non-practice- based staff) and Student (those studying Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing at any Australian registered training organisation).
Qualified dispensers also qualify for a complimentary IOA membership.
The formation of ODA follows dissatisfaction over optical dispensing representation in Australia in recent years, which industry figures say has struggled since deregulation. A 2019 survey found 80% of respondents were not members of an association.
That year the country’s two largest dispensing bodies, the Australian Dispensing Opticians Association (ADOA) and ADOA’s Victorian chapter, agreed to amalgamate. President Ms Amelia Roberts told Insight the body is “alive and well”, and is set to launch a new education arm this year called the ADOA Academy.
Petrusma, CEO of ODA, said optical dispensing in Australia is not the same as it was 10, or even five years ago. Recently, there had been a major influx of new practices opening across the country, both corporate and independent, as well as immense changes to the delivery of education.
“Over the years working as a practising optical dispenser and tertiary educator in the sector, I have noticed a growing trend where optical dispensers and optical- affiliated employees are seeking industry- based opportunities to further grow their existing skills, network with other like- minded professionals or get work-based support,” she said.
“Subsequently, the trend has led to increasing unrest within the profession regarding the limited availability of options to fulfil these demands. ODA has been founded to cater for these needs that have also been recognised from afar by the IOA. Prior to launching, the IOA offered ODA its unwavering support and encouragement.”
Advisory board to govern new body
Petrusma said careful consideration was given to ODA’s governance structure. Instead of being “member- controlled”, it will be “member- managed”, with an eight-strong advisory board appointed to “make the best decisions for our members without any conflict of interest fuelled by political standing”. Paid staff will also run the organisation, overcoming organisational issues sometimes found in time-poor, volunteer-run organisations.
“The advisory board is made up of professionals with a variety of expertise and backgrounds – ranging from ex-president of the IOA Paul Clarke to freshly qualified, practising optical dispensers,” Petrusma said.
Outlining the key functions of the body, Petrusma said ODA would have an advocacy role to ensure any future policy changes are for the benefit of the industry as well as individuals.
Members will also be able to network via an online forum, career portal, yearly conference and continuing professional development (CPD) events.
Its website will act as a hub, featuring a job listings section with targeted industry-specific roles across Australia, as well as easy access to dispensing calculators and health fund guides.
ODA’s founders are particularly focused on upskilling the industry through CPD, with the organisation saying it will offer Australia’s newest and most comprehensive, post- qualification CPD initiative for dispensers.
“By engaging our members in a CPD program presented by current industry professionals, we are ensuring they gain the most up-to-date knowledge and are regularly enhancing their dispensing and practice skills,” Petrusma said.
“The monthly webinars offered by ODA will be available to anyone for a fee of $55 or complimentary for Qualified Optical Dispenser members. Members will receive one CPD point per webinar with additional opportunities to gain CPD points from supplementary events throughout the year.
“A currency certificate will be distributed to those that have completed 10 CPD points each calendar year. On top of the educational benefits of the program, the currency certificate is a great addition to present to a future or current employer to show relevancy and up-to-date knowledge in the industry.”
Employment matters and advice will also form a part of ODA’s service.
“We’re very passionate about workplace conditions and promoting optical dispensing as a favourable career choice,” Petrusma added. “Our robust HR and Career portal offers support for both employers and employees alike when seeking assistance or advice on workplace matters like hiring new employees, contracts, and awards.
ODA also offers a job vacancy board, resume tips and free templates to help jobseekers, interview advice, links to further education, a career counselling service and job networking opportunities.”
In a statement, the IOA said it was excited to partner with ODA and welcome its qualified members into the international organisation.
“We really look forward to strengthening our bond and supporting each other and more importantly supporting our members,” IOA president Ms Fiona Anderson said.
James Gibbins: Advisory Board Chair
Chedy Kalach: Advisory Board Secretary
Paul Clarke: Advisory Board Member
David Birch: Advisory Board Member
Constantina Angeli: Advisory Board Member
Emanuela De Dona’ Zeccone: Advisory Board Member
Bonnie Eason: Advisory Board Member
Vacant position: Advisory Board Member
April Petrusma: CEO
Lou Thomas: Communications Manager
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