NSW Context

Optical Dispensing

The profession of ophthalmic dispensing includes the supply and manufacture of spectacles and the supply of other visual aids.

The work of the Optical Dispenser involves prescription analysis advice on lens type, advice on styling of frames, and taking frame and facial measurements and measurements in relation to lenses. Before any finished spectacles are deemed acceptable for a patient, they must be checked to ensure they correspond to the prescription and final ordered specifications and are suitable for the conditions in which they will be used. Once the patient has received the new spectacles and been instructed on how to get the best results from them, the Optical Dispenser is always available to offer advice and effect adjustments and repairs if necessary. Of prime concern to every qualified Optical Dispenser is the visual comfort of the patient.

The NSW Optical Dispensers Licensing Board is an independent government appointed statutory authority established under the Optical Dispensers Act 1963 to maintain the register of optical dispensers and to administer the act generally. The powers and duties of the Board include:

• to issues licences and approvals to practice to appropriately qualified applicants
• to cancel or suspend registration and to revoke any such cancellation or suspension
• to make recommendations to the Government regarding the suitability of qualifications required for registration
• to consider complaints against optical dispensers
• to investigate claims regarding persons holding themselves out to be optical dispensers.

Registration or licensing of occupations is administered under the laws of state and territory governments. People wishing to work in more then one state or territory are required to register in each of these states or territories. Under the mutual recognition laws, a person who is registered or licensed to practise an occupation in one state or territory, is eligible to apply for registration/licensure to practise the same occupation in any other state or territory. There is a similar arrangement available for New Zealand.

For general and specific information about the New South Wales Optical Dispensers Licensing Board and licensing of optical dispensers in New South Wales visit http://www.opticalreg.health.nsw.gov.au

New South Wales acts and regulations are available on line at the following links:

• Optical Dispensers Act and Regulations
• Optical Dispensers Act 1963
• Optical Dispensers Regulation 2002

For applicants trained in optical dispensing in New South Wales there are three stages involved in obtaining an Optical Dispensers Licence.

Step 1

Following enrolment in a optical dispensing course application is made for an Approval to Practise Certificate that may be issued for a period of 12 months.

An Approval to Practise gives the holder the right to practise optical dispensing for the purpose of gaining practical experience under the provisions of the Optical Dispensers Act.

Step 2

Following successful completion of the training, the student is required to complete 800 hours of documented practical experience in optical dispensing. This practical work, under the direct supervision of a licensed optical dispenser and/or registered optometrist, includes a broad range of dispensing duties but does not include workshop duties.

A Log Book which must be completed during this phase is issued to students by the Board when the Board is satisfied that the applicant is the holder of an Approval to Practise.

Step 3

On completion of the 800 hours of practical experience and successful completion of the tertiary training an Application for Licence can be lodged with the Board. Application forms are available from the Board's office.

The Application form should be accompanied by the Log Book, duly signed by the applicant and supervisor, the registration fee and evidence of satisfactory completion of the tertiary training. The Log Book is returned to the applicant after consideration by the Board. Documents which must accompany the application are itemised on the form.

For more details contact The Optical Dispensers Licensing Board

Optical Technology

The profession of ophthalmic dispensing includes the supply and manufacture of spectacles and the supply of other visual aids, it is optical technician that manufactures the optical appliance.

Optical technicians may perform the following tasks:

• read and interpret prescriptions from eye specialists
• locate and mark optical centres and axes on lens blanks and make calculations to grind lenses to specifications
• grind and polish the surface of the lens by setting grinding and polishing machines
• test polished lenses for accuracy
• apply protective coatings and non-reflective material to lenses and apply heat and chemical treatment to glass lenses to harden them if required
• shape and fit lenses to spectacle frames
• repair damaged and broken spectacles
• cut and polish contact lenses to prescription requirements.

Immunisation: Health workers and learners undertaking work placement in NSW Health facilities must comply with the assessment, screening and vaccination requirements of Policy Directive PD 2007_006.  

Criminal Record Check (CRC) and Vulnerable Person:  Health workers and learners undertaking work placement in NSW Health facilities must comply with Employment Screening Using Criminal Record Checks Policy Directive PD2005_552