Optical Dispensers Australia (ODA) is proud to announce the launch of a new membership benefit — a Member Assistance Program (MAP), highlighting ODA’s commitment to promoting the health, well-being, and resilience of its members. The new program provides confidential, professional support services designed to help members navigate personal and work-related challenges. Through the MAP, ODA Members that possess a current full membership, will have access to 24/7 counselling, me

Optical Dispensers Australia (ODA) are proud sponsors of this event – created for women across the optical world – from dispensers and practice owners to reps, designers, and leaders.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training Reflection By Virgilia Readett (ODA Member) I was fortunate enough to attend ODA’s Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) hosted course at Macquarie University, which was facilitated by Penny Dillon on 2nd – 3rd October. In the lead up, I braced myself for what I though would be a good, but heavy couple of days. These expectations were shattered. Rather than good, it was empowering, rather than heavy it was confronting to say the least. Across

Ready to transition from employee to owner? Zoom Optics offers experienced optical dispensers a pathway to business ownership with a...

In April 2025, Optical Dispensers Australia (ODA) conducted an anonymous national wage survey to gather data on the current wages,...

Our mission is clear and simple - to bring accessible eyecare to those who need it most.   This year’s ODA Fiji Outreach was an...

Calling all optical dispensers, optical assistants, practice managers and support staff… Your industry needs your help! Optical Dispensers Australia (ODA) is conducting an anonymous survey to gather data on the current wages, employment conditions, and career experiences of optical dispensers and those in affiliated roles across Australia. By participating in this national wage survey, you will provide ODA with crucial data on current employment conditions. This information i

The 2025 ODA National Excellence Awards were presented on the 7th March at The InterContinental Sydney as part of the annual ODA Gala...

What is Spexcycle?   Spexcycle is Australia’s first closed-loop eyewear recycling initiative, founded by Chris Savage, an experienced optical dispenser and designer with a vision for change. Through our collection and recycling process, we transform eyewear waste into new, sustainable frames, giving discarded materials a second life. By reducing landfill and conserving natural resources, Spexcycle offers optical practices and their customers an easy, impactful way to make a

ODA is pleased to be offering a brand new training program for the industry: "Optical Assistant / Dispensing Induction Training: Introduction to Optics"   The primary goal of this training program is to prepare candidates for their new role within the optical industry and is suited to new employees or existing team members that have not yet undertaken the Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing qualification. This training program offers candidates the necessary technical and cu

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, op

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Fiji is a stunning holiday destination in the South Pacific and home to 936,000 Fijians. Unfortunately, what many people don't realise is that it has one of the most underfunded health care systems in the world and approximately 40% of the population live below the poverty line. In July 2024 ODA embarked on a journey to the Viti Levu Island and provided vision screening to approximately 1,300 people and dispensed over 400 pairs of glasses via a mobile clinic. The work was...

ODA is pleased to be offering a brand new training program for the industry. "Optical Assistant / Dispensing Induction Training" The primary goal of this training program is to prepare candidates for their new role within the optical industry and is suited to new employees or existing team members that have not yet undertaken the Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing qualification. ​ This training program offers candidates the necessary technical and customer service skills ne

The federal government has enlisted HumanAbility, a not-for-profit industry-led organisation, to drive the advancement of education and workforce development in a variety of industries. Their role sees them work with industry stakeholders to research and articulate industry specific jobs demands, the needs of employers for future and current skills and develop qualifications and training packages that are responsive to and meet the needs of the industry. How does this affect

Bula (Hello)! For those following our journey in Fiji, it wouldn't be fair to end the story after day two. So to continue on from our...

On Monday 22nd July twelve ODA Members arrived in Fiji to join ODA’s inaugral international outreach project. The team's accomodation is being hosted by the College of Theology and Evangelism Fiji with a base camp on the outskirts of Lautoka, the second largest city in Fiji. With suitcases full of donated pre-cut prescription glasses ranging from -6.00 to +6.00, dispensing and screening tools, frames and a range of uncut astigmatic lenses, the team was eager to use their skil

One of the membership benefits for ODA Members is access to the online Troubleshooting Forum in the members hub. The forum is designed to...

Introducing Opticycle, Australia's only end to end recycling solution for empty contact lens blister packs and eyeglasses and one of ODA's newest industry partners. Opticycle estimates that up to 3 million pairs of prescription glasses are discarded in Australia every year, many of which end up in landfill. As such, they are committed to advancing environmental sustainability and tackling the recycling difficulties related to products from the optical industry. In the past, m

Optical Dispensers Australia (ODA) joined forces with Optometry Western Australia (OWA) to offer a dedicated in-person dispensing stream...