Member profile:
Name: Brad McMillan
Position: Optical dispenser
Location: Young Eyes Optometrists, NSW
Years in industry: 6
1. What inspired you to pursue an optical dispensing career, and how has your perspective changed over time?
My path into optical dispensing wasn’t the most conventional. I quite literally fell into the industry by accident; an opportunity came up unexpectedly that I heard about from a family member, and I decided to take a chance on it. What started as simply finding a job soon turned into a genuine passion. Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate just how meaningful this work is. I’ve realised helping people see better has a direct impact on their lives, and being part of that journey is incredibly rewarding.
2. What are the most influential moments and people that led you to this point?
About three years into my job, I was at a real crossroads. I knew I either needed a new challenge or risk losing my spark for the work. I was given the opportunity to move into an independent practice, Young Eyes Optometrists, and it completely changed my trajectory. The opportunities I’ve been given by my current employers – Janine and Simon Hobson – have been countless and incredibly rewarding. The most significant was the opportunity to complete my optical dispensing qualification through ACOD, which has given me the theoretical knowledge to complement the practical skills I’d been using every day.
3. What’s something you know now that you wished you understood at the start of your career?
I wish I had understood from the beginning just how valuable having the theoretical knowledge of optical dispensing can be. It’s such a powerful tool for problem-solving and finding the right solutions for our patients. I also wish I had realised how much I would enjoy this career; if I had, I might have entered the industry much sooner. That said, I truly believe everything happens for a reason, and I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
4. Can you share a moment where you made a significant impact on a patient’s life?
During my recent outreach trip with Optical Dispensers Australia to Fiji, where we provided free eyecare and glasses to those in need, there was one moment that really stuck with me. On our second day, a young lady arrived at the school where we had set up our clinic, bringing her younger siblings to be screened. They didn’t end up needing glasses, but it did not fall short on me that she went out of her way to make sure her younger siblings were looked after. For me, that’s what it’s all about, making sure people have the opportunity to get the eyecare they need, whether they walk away with glasses or simply the reassurance that their vision is healthy.
5. What innovations in eyewear or technology are you most excited about, and why?
I’m really enjoying seeing how far photochromic lenses have come. I now wear Transitions in three pairs of my own glasses, so I’ve experienced first-hand the difference faster reaction times make, a much wider range of stylish colour choices, and a complete shift in how they’re perceived. The old stigma is fading, and younger patients are starting to embrace them for both their practicality and style. I’m also keeping an eye on the smart glasses space. The idea that wearable technology could help someone navigate their day independently or access information in real time is both exciting and a little surreal. It’s amazing to think about how much our industry continues to evolve and the possibilities it opens for people.
6. What skills or qualities do you believe are most important for an optical dispenser to thrive in today’s market?
In today’s world, human connection is more important than ever. Being able to communicate openly, spark up conversation, and make patients feel comfortable is just as vital as technical skill. Listening to people, understanding what matters to them, and building that trust allows you to provide solutions that really work. Attention to detail is still essential, it’s what transforms a pair of glasses from “okay” to “wow”. And with the industry constantly evolving, embracing new products, technologies, and ways of working ensures you can always deliver the best care.
7. How do you ensure your skills and knowledge stay up to date and current in such a fast-moving industry?
I make it a priority to keep learning. Working in an independent practice has given me the opportunity to attend industry events, trade fairs and formalise my experience with a qualification from ACOD. Being part of ODA has been invaluable too, not just for the ongoing educational webinars, but for the networking and shared experiences with other professionals who are equally passionate about what they do.
8. Why did you become a member of ODA, and what value do you see in the organisation?
I wanted to be part of an industry body of optical dispensers that could provide support, ongoing education, and training beyond just my own workplace. ODA has given me that, connecting me to the wider industry and offering opportunities to grow both professionally and personally. Being part of the industry body also gave me the chance to participate in an outreach trip to Fiji, where we helped people access eyecare they might not otherwise receive. That experience, along with the lifelong connections I made with fellow dispensers, was incredibly rewarding. ODA is about learning, sharing, and contributing to a profession I’m proud to be part of, surrounded by people who are equally passionate about quality, care, and the future of optics.
