Resources

Join ADONZ

If you are working less than 2 days per week, please contact our office for information on reduced membership fees.

If you are a retired member of ADONZ, please contact the office for information about our Retired Membership options.

Membership Fees

Why ADONZ membership is an investment in your future

ADONZ is a non-profit association that is run by members, for members.

1. Networking Opportunities: Gain access to industry experts, local and international events, and the chance to serve on the CE Committee or the Executive Committee; shaping the future of our profession. Expand your network and create meaningful connections with industry peers who understand the unique challenges and demands of our field.
2. Personal Support and Community: Join a supportive community of professionals who provide guidance and friendship throughout all stages of your career journey, access to job listings, mentoring opportunities for new grads.
3. Continuing Education: Enjoy convenient access to CPD resources on our member dedicated website as well as discounted rates for our Annual Conference, where you can fulfill your educational requirements while networking with colleagues nationwide (and letting your hair down!).
4. Legislative Advocacy: We’re committed to advocating for Dispensing Opticians, ensuring that your voice is heard in shaping health regulations and policies that affect our practice. Together, we wield the strength of numbers to drive meaningful change.
5. Career Enhancement: Membership in our association demonstrates your dedication to professional development and can give you a competitive edge in the job market. Get involved and showcase your commitment to advancing our field on your CV – or better yet, put your hand up and volunteer for the CE or Executive Committees!

Resources available exclusively for our members

• Dispensing Optics magazine from ABDO – available in your messages when you log in
• Greatly reduced Annual Conference fees
• CPD accredited webinars FREE for members
• Your Member News (Our monthly newsletter emailed direct to members with additional resources available inside).
• Job vacancies are listed FREE in Your Member News / ADONZ Social media / Member messages when logged in.  There is a small charge of $20 for non-members to list vacancies.
• ADONZ Dispensing Optician Brochures are FREE for members
• ADONZ Badge

Association additional resources

ADONZ Constitution  The Constitution and Rules of the ADONZ; updated in 2023.

Strategic Plan 08-2024  The ADONZ Strategic Plan; updated and passed at the 2024 AGM.

The Directors Award  The Directors Award was established in 2022 and is named after the founding Directors of OptiBlocks, the education arm of the ADONZ.  In 1999 OptiBlocks was incorporated as an independent company with Steve Stenersen and Mike Firmston as Directors, and until 2021 they gave of their own time to diligently guide the development, improvement, and education of Dispensing Opticians in New Zealand.  They epitomize dedication and exemplary service to the industry.  Recipients of The Directors Award are recognised for their contribution to the advancement of Dispensing Opticians through service to education, improving awareness of the profession, representation in the optical industry or outstanding service to the Association and its members.

ADONZ Life Members   A Life Member is a person honoured for highly valued services to the ADONZ and is selected by the Executive Committee.

Maher Award  The Robert Maher Award, created in his honour, is intended to be a reminder and a thank you for his dedication, his devotion to the association and his fight for Dispensing Opticians to be recognised as a profession and to remain a critical part of the optics industry.  This award has now been retired.

Dispensing Opticians Practice Standards

• Standards of Clinical Competence
• Standards of Cultural Competence and Cultural Safety
• Standards of Ethical Conduct

Practice Standards and Guidelines are also available on the ODOB website.

NOTE:  The Optometrists & Dispensing Opticians Board is the authority overseeing the optometrist and dispensing optician professions in Aotearoa New Zealand. They ensure that optometrists and dispensing opticians are qualified, competent, and fit to practise.

Their role is to protect patients and public health and safety and to make sure practitioners maintain high standards of care.  They are a statutory body, empowered by The Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (HPCA Act).

Register to Practice in NZ

• Please contact the Optometrists & Dispensing Opticians Board
  – View Website

Overseas Applicant Guidelines

• OptiBlocks is the education division of ADONZ.
  It undertakes the examinations of overseas applicants to
  become registered to practice as a Dispensing Optician
  in New Zealand.  Initial assessments are conducted by ODOB, and applicants are referred to OptiBlocks once their assessment is completed.  For more information about the process please see our current guidelines here (these guidelines are under review): OptiBlocks Overseas Assessment Guide 12-2023

Search the Registers

Please use the search section at – ODOB Health

Other Resources

• NZ Health and Disability System Review report: health-disability-system-review-final-report
• Child safety checks for health workers – for more details on this, this link has information:  https://www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/whats-happening/what-to-expect/for-the-health-workforce/health-workforce/childrens-worker-safety-checking-and-child-protection-policies/

ADONZ Annual wage survey

• 2022 ADONZ wage survey results
• 2023 ADONZ wage survey results
• 2024 ADONZ wage survey results

The ADONZ Annual wage survey is conducted at the end of each year.  It is available to complete by all DOs and students who are employees (respondents must be wage earners not business owners).