Originally from Auckland, Steve has been working in the industry since 1978, beginning his journey in an optical lab grinding lenses and making glasses. This foundation has allowed Steve to think out of the box for complex cases and repairs. More than once he has been referred to as MacGyver! Over the years, Steve has been nominated for many awards including IOA Optician of the Year finalist, ADONZ Directors Award and Life Member. In his spare time, Steve enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, and camping.
Steve presents:
Saturday 12 September 8:30am and 12:00pm (Workshop Lombard – Limit 30 attendees)
DELEGATED TASKS – 1 GenDO
In this interactive workshop, I will take attendees through a typical day in my practice to demonstrate how delegated tasks have become an integral part of my role as a dispensing optician. Using real-world examples, I will share the range of clinical and administrative tasks I perform under standing orders and practice protocols, discuss the training, governance, and supervision required, and explain how these processes were successfully implemented within my practice. We will also explore common barriers, risk management considerations, and practical strategies for introducing or expanding delegated tasks in other workplaces. Throughout the session, attendees will be encouraged to share their own experiences, ask questions, and discuss how dispensing opticians can work collaboratively with optometrists to improve practice efficiency while maintaining safe, high-quality, patient-centred care.
Learning outcomes:
1 What tasks in practice can come under ‘Delegated Tasks’
2 How to implement Delegated Tasks in optical practice
3 What a Standing Order is, and how to use it for Delegated Tasks
Saturday 12 September 2:00pm
TROUBLESHOOTING PANEL – 1 GenDO
This interactive panel session brings together experienced dispensing opticians to explore common and complex challenges encountered in everyday practice. Using realistic case scenarios and audience-submitted questions, the panel will discuss practical approaches to problem-solving across a range of clinical, technical, communication, and customer service situations
Learning outcomes:
1 Learning who in the industry you can ask when you have a difficult patient scenario that required extra help eg labs, fellow Dispensing Opticians
2 Tips and tricks for handling difficult prescriptions and how to work through to a successful outcome
3 Identify practical strategies for assessing and resolving common dispensing, lens, frame fitting, and patient communication challenges encountered in everyday practice
Dispensing Optician
Stenersen & Kain Opticians