In response to industry staff shortages, ODA has launched an innovative pre-employment program in direct collaboration with The Sarina Russo Group.
The training program offers candidates the necessary technical and customer service skills needed to work as an optical assistant or begin a career in optical dispensing. The program ensures they are capable of effectively contributing to a practice environment from day one by providing an introduction to dispensing techniques, ophthalmic knowledge and service delivery. In addition to acquiring vital skills, the program features an industry day where a diverse range of employers engage with the participants, sharing insights and expertise on the various facets of working in an optometry practice.
Candidates that successfully complete the training, also receive a nationally recognised unit of competency accredited by ACOD (RTO: 45068) BSBCUS301 – Deliver and monitor a service to customers, which can be credited towards further future learning, such as the Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing course.
Topics covered in the four-day program include:
Summary of the ophthalmic industry
Follow safe work practices
Identify customer needs
Deliver a service to customers
Eye physiology and basic eye disorders
Monitor and report on service delivery
Interpreting an optical prescription
Introduction to ophthalmic lens designs
Introduction to frame anatomy and materials
Essential contact lens knowledge
Appropriate frame selection
Frame adjustment and fitting
Taking frame and facial measurements for dispensing
Basic dispensing case studies
This initiative has sparked significant interest among prospective candidates who are eager to explore new career opportunities, promising a bright future for the profession. The inaugural program took place in Sunshine (Melbourne, Victoria) from November 25th to 28th, attracting 22 participants. Many of these individuals were seeking a career transition after gaining previous experience and training in diverse fields such as aged care, accounting, hospitality, disability services, and retail, just to name a few.
On the final day of the course, participants were privileged to have guest lectures from various industry partners, providing valuable insights and career perspectives, sparking lively discussions and thought-provoking questions among the participants. These presentations proved to be one of the many highlights of the program.
Due to overwhelming demand, we are excited to announce a second program in Fitzroy, scheduled to take place from December 9th to 12th 2024, which has already reached full capacity. This strong interest highlights the program's appeal, prompting an expansion into several other states throughout 2025. Such enthusiasm points to a vibrant and promising growth trajectory for the optical dispensing profession.
For employers interested in hiring a trainee, we invite you to explore our new ODA jobseekers webpage, where you can find profiles of prospective optical assistants. Visit www.odamembers.com.au/jobseekers to kickstart your recruitment journey. This platform is an excellent resource for discovering candidates who not only possess a genuine passion for the profession but also have an understanding of entry-level optics.
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