An inaugural Optical Dispensers Australia conference catering to the optical dispensing profession is the only event of its kind in Australia, and the first time a national medal for optical dispensing excellence will be bestowed.
Next month, the first biennial Optical Dispensers Australia Conference – created by dispensers for dispensers – will take place in Sydney as the organisation continues its push to raise the profile of the profession.
The event, taking place 28-29 April (Friday and Saturday) at the Sydney Masonic Centre, 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 Certificate IV graduates.
The event marks a major milestone for Optical Dispensers Australia (ODA), an organisation that launched in January 2022 and now has a 1,700-plus strong subscriber network. The conference forms part of its goal to fulfil an unmet need around professional development and networking opportunities for the nation’s optical dispensing profession. ODA also exists to offer dispensing resources and support for employment and career matters, among other functions.
The conference will feature a line-up of Australian and international speakers and is open to the entire optical industry, including optometrists.
ODA CEO Ms April Petrusma describes it as unlike any other event in Australia.
“While it is open to everyone in the industry regardless of their level of expertise or experience, it has been created specifically with dispensers in mind. It is the only event of its kind catering purely towards the national optical dispensing profession,” she says.
“Opportunities for optical dispensers to grow their knowledge, upskill and continue their professional development have been sparse in our country for quite some time and, whilst there are various events throughout the year that dispensers can attend, very few, if any, have been designed with 100% dispensing-focused content.”
Despite only launching 14 months ago, ODA organised and hosted its first mini conference in September 2022. The response was positive and the ideal precursor for its first national event.
It released 50 tickets to the full-day event, held in Perth, which included lectures and practical sessions facilitated by industry experts to enhance professional development. The speaker line-up at the mini conference included Ms Nicola Peaper from Rodenstock Australia on improving lens performance, Mr Jack Layland from HOYA on dispensing safety glasses and Mr Cameron Bourke from Luxottica on frame styling. There was also presentations on contact lens dispensing.
“The mini conference sold out and the feedback from delegates unequivocally called for more events of its type,” Petrusma says.
ODA has heeded those calls, with its marquee event in Sydney next month drawing wide industry support from companies including, HOYA, the Australasian College of Optical Dispensing, Hilco Vision, Human Ware, Younger Optics and Tokai Optical.
“With thanks to our sponsors, we have been able to make the biennial conference extremely affordable with a full two-day conference pass plus a ticket to the evening gala costing ODA members just $287,” Petrusma says.
“A broad range of topics will be covered with international and local speakers, including paediatric dispensing, troubleshooting progressives, low vision patients, understanding prism, polarisation, occupational dispensing, marketing in eyecare and more.”
A full list of speakers was yet to be released at the time of writing, but Petrusma says the topics will have broad appeal, keeping in mind the event is open to the entire optical industry.
“The ODA conference is not just appealing for dispensers, it is also a great way for optometrists to network and connect with dispensers and suppliers alike,” she says.
“With a trade area to engage with suppliers over breaks, and conference sessions covering topics that front-of-house staff are immersed in every day, it’s a great opportunity for optometrists to expand their own dispensing skills, better understand the role of their support staff and connect with the industry.”
New awards program
The Optical Dispensers Australia Conference will also feature an inaugural awards ceremony, with winners to be announced at a gala evening on Friday 28 April.
Petrusma, who was one of four finalists in the Silmo IOA International Optician of the Year Award in 2022, understands the importance of recognition.
“The ODA National Excellence Awards honours outstanding optical dispensers across Australia and celebrates the vital contribution they make to the industry and the important role they play within the optical practice,” Petrusma says.
“With categories designed to recognise a variety of accomplishments, including the prestigious ‘National Medal for Optical Dispensing Excellence’, nominations are open to all ODA members and may be completed by the entrant themselves or a colleague.”
There are eight categories in the National Excellence Awards (see right) – and the judging panel consists of members of the ODA Advisory Board as well as representatives from its corporate partners, now numbering more than a dozen. Nominations close 31 March 2023.
The ODA Gala event includes a graduation ceremony for all industry members who have recently graduated from the Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing.
ODA was in the process of distributing invitations when Petrusma spoke with Insight.
“At this stage we’re conservatively expecting about 60 graduates to attend. With the invites only going out [in late January], this is an estimate – but it will be the largest cohort to date,” she says.
Awards categories
ODA National Medal for Optical Dispensing Excellence
The winner of this prestigious award will be an outstanding, qualified optical dispenser who champions the profession. They will have excellent dispensing and communication skills, provide exemplary customer service and take immense pride in their role. They will show professionalism and advocacy for optical dispensing and will have evidence of their engagement in nurturing their own professional development.
Rookie of the Year Award
The winner will be a current student, trainee or recently qualified optical dispenser that has been in the profession for less than two years. It recognises dedication and drive for someone embarking on a career in optics. Entries are welcome from optical assistants and optical dispensers that possess ambition and enthusiasm towards their role. They will be able to provide evidence showing consistency in exceeding customer expectations and the positive contribution they make in the practice in which they work.
Outstanding Practice Owner Award
The winner will be a dispensing partner or owner of an optical practice that champions their role through empowering and leading their team, providing clinical excellence and delivering exceptional customer service. They will be able to provide evidence of innovation in their practice as well as patient satisfaction and positive team culture. As a qualified optical dispenser, they will exude professionalism and represent the profession in an enthusiastic manner.
CEO’s Member Dedication Award
The winner of this award will be an ODA member that excels in their role and takes pride in the profession and their own ongoing professional development. They will be an advocate that is able to show evidence of engagement within the profession and industry through active participation in networking, events or activities that enhance their knowledge and skills.
Role Model & Leadership Award
The winner of this award will be an optical dispenser that fulfills a leadership role within their practice. They may be a team leader, trainer, supervisor or practice manager that motivates and inspires others to be the best they can be. They will be able to provide evidence that shows they conduct themselves in a professional manner, demonstrate clear and concise communication skills guided by compassion, and empowers others to reach their highest potential.
Community Champion Award
The winner will be an optical dispenser or affiliate that demonstrates a positive impact on their local or wider community through participating in charitable work, supporting or implementing community initiatives or consistently going above and beyond their call of duty. They will be able to provide evidence of their community engagement or altruistic activities.
Sustainability Champion Award
The winner will be an optical dispenser or affiliate that possesses environmental awareness and participates in sustainable practices. They will be able to provide evidence showing their commitment to improving the environment through waste reduction, sustainable forward thinking and implementing ideas for a greener future whilst meeting the needs of their clients.
Support Services Dedication Award
The winner will be an optical dispenser or affiliate that provides a support service to retail optical practices. They may be a supplier representative, a customer service associate, a lab technician or may even be in a support office role. They will be able to provide evidence that demonstrates excellence in service, quality and nurturing relationships, all whilst exceeding their clients’ needs.
For more conference details, visit www.odamembers.com.au/odaconference.
More about the awards can be found at www.odamembers.com.au/odagala.
More reading
From dispenser to the owner of three practices
Dispensing for children: Big tips for little faces – Part 2
2023 prediction: April Petrusma – ODA
