Was formed in 1952 when the first official meeting was held in Palmerston North. Throughout the history of Dispensing Optics in New Zealand, the ADONZ has been instrumental in every new regulation and in the education of Dispensing Opticians.
ADONZ offers meaningful support, opportunities, and advocacy no matter what stage you are in your career.
Are you a new graduate or just starting your career? We offer:
Support & Mentorship
- Gain access to experienced professionals who can guide you through the transition from study to practice.
Continuing Education & CPD Support
- Access to training, workshops, and resources to meet regulatory requirements and develop new skills.
- Networking & Community – Build professional relationships with peers, employers, and industry leaders through conferences and events.
Job Opportunities & Career Pathways
- Industry connections that can lead to employment opportunities and help navigate career progression.
Advocacy & Professional Representation
- Assurance that your profession is being actively represented in regulatory discussions.
Are you settled into your career? We offer:
Professional Growth & Leadership Opportunities
- Join committees, contribute to industry decisions, and take on leadership roles within ADONZ.
Advanced Training & Specialisation
- Stay ahead of trends such as myopia management, low vision care, and new lens technologies.
Networking & Business Development
- Build connections that can help with career transitions, partnerships, and business growth.
Advocacy & Strengthening the Profession
- Have a say in regulatory matters, ensuring the scope of practice continues to evolve.
Work-Life Balance & Career Flexibility
- Access resources to navigate career changes, including moving into education, sales, or business ownership.
Are you later in your career and more experienced in your profession? We offer:
Mentorship & Giving Back
- The opportunity to support the next generation of dispensing opticians through guidance and training.
Lifelong Learning & Continued Engagement
- Stay connected with industry developments and maintain professional credentials.
Recognition & Professional Legacy
- Opportunities to be acknowledged for contributions to the profession and leave a lasting impact.
Advocacy & Protecting the Profession
- Ensure the scope of practice remains strong and that dispensing opticians continue to be recognized as essential healthcare professionals.
Are you a business owner or practice manager? We offer:
Business Support & Professional Development
- Access to industry insights, business training, and leadership resources.
Workforce Development & Recruitment
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Connect with new graduates and experienced professionals looking for career opportunities.
Advocacy & Industry Representation
- Influence discussions that impact practice regulations, funding, and professional recognition.
Networking & Industry Collaboration
- Build relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, and other optical professionals.
Access to CPD & Training for Staff
- Ensure your team stays up to date with continuing education requirements.
Are you transitioning away from clinical practice? We offer:
Dispensing Opticians Transitioning Away from Clinical Work Career Support & Alternative Pathways
- Guidance on transitioning into roles in education, sales, consulting, or industry advocacy.
Professional Community & Lifelong Membership
- Stay connected with peers and the profession even if stepping back from clinical work.
Opportunities to Contribute to the Profession
- Engage in mentoring, writing, or speaking opportunities within ADONZ.
Industry Advocacy & Representation
- Continue to support the profession’s development even after stepping away from patient-facing roles.
What Does a Dispensing Optician Do?
Dispensing Opticians are registered with the Optometrists & Dispensing Opticians Board. They are qualified health care providers and complete education in order to maintain an Annual Practising Certificate.
Dispensing Opticians interpret prescriptions from an optometrist or ophthalmologist to determine the specification of lenses.
At a retail level, they recommend spectacle frames, lenses, and lens coatings to customers after considering the prescription and occupation, lifestyle and facial features. Using specialised equipment, they record facial measurements (e.g. distance between centres of the pupils) and spectacle measurements (e.g. distance between ocular surface and the lens, wrap and tilt angle at which a frame fits the face). They are also aware of current eyewear fashion trends and have vast knowledge on latest lens technology.
Dispensing opticians prepare work orders that give ophthalmic lens laboratory technicians the information needed to grind lenses to the correct power, and fitted correctly to the chosen frame. The work order includes the relevant prescription for lenses, and measurements required to tailor make the individual lenses for each client. Many dispensing opticians may also glaze lenses in on-site workshops.
After the spectacles are made, dispensing opticians verify that lenses have been ground to specifications, adjust the frame so spectacles fit the client properly and comfortably, and offer expert advice about adapting to, wearing, and caring for spectacles.
They may liaise with other optometry practices to obtain a client’s previous record to re-make spectacles or contact lenses, or they may verify a prescription with the prescribing optometrist or ophthalmologist.
New Zealand dispensing opticians currently complete a two year correspondence course via Australia in order to become qualified. This includes practical block courses run in New Zealand, and experience on the job in an optical practice. The New Zealand registration Board also recognises the UK qualification and other country’s qualifications on a case by case basis.