ODA GALA

Don your finest outfit and come ready to celebrate!

The ODA Gala is the feature social event of the year. Being held on the eve of Friday, 28 April 2023 at the iconic Luna Park Sydney. Running in unison with the ODA Conference weekend, the ODA Gala is the perfect opportunity to mix business with pleasure. 

The ODA Gala is playing host to the dispensing industry’s annual night of nights, the Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing Graduation Ceremony, and showcasing the inaugural ODA National Excellence Awards! Our Luna Park venue will frame Sydney's million dollar views, while we celebrate all aspects of the optical dispensing industry, from veteran dispensers and lab techs, to our newest graduands. All in iconic Sydney style. 

Friends and family are welcome to this event. Canapés and Drinks are provided on arrival.

*** Purchase your ODA Gala ticket in a package with your two day Conference pass and SAVE up to 50% off the price of your Gala ticket ***

ODA National Excellence Awards

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. 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.

Nominations for the ODA Excellence Awards will open from 20th February 2023 and will close on 31st March 2023.

Award 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 of this award will be a current student, trainee or recently qualified Optical Dispenser that has been in the profession for less than 2 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 of this award 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 of this award will be and 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 of this award 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 of this award 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.