YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED
***TICKET SALES ARE NOW CLOSED!***
THE ODA GALA IS YOUR CHANCE TO CELEBRATE!
FORMING PART OF THE 2025 ODA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
INTERCONTINENTAL SYDNEY
FRIDAY, 07 MARCH 2025
– 5.30 PM TO 10.30 PM –
THEME: SPECTRUM SOIREÉ
DRINKS & CANAPES INCLUDED
Celebrating all aspects of the Australian Optical Dispensing Industry.
Don your finest and brightest formal attire and come ready to celebrate!
This year's Gala theme is "Spectrum Soireé" ~ inspired by the seven colors of visible light.
Conference delegates, friends, family, suppliers, optometrists, students, optical dispensers and industry colleagues are all welcome to attend this event.
THE 2025 ODA NATIONAL
EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Proudly Sponsored by CR Labs
The ODA National Excellence Awards honours outstanding Optical Dispensers across Australia, celebrating the vital contribution they make to the industry and the important role they play within the optical practice. With categories designed to recognise a variety of accomplishments including the prestigious ‘National Medal for Optical Dispensing Excellence’ nominations are open to all ODA Members and may be completed by the entrant themselves or by a colleague. Awards will be presented during the evening formalities.
CERT IV IN OPTICAL DISPENSING GRADUATION CEREMONY
Proudly Sponsored by ZEISS Vision Care
A huge congratulations to everyone who has completed the ACOD Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing course this past year. Please join us, along with your family, friends and colleagues, in celebrating this momentous occasion. This is also your chance to don your finest and brightest formal attire! This year's Gala theme is "Spectrum Soireé" ~ inspired by the seven colors of visible light. The night will include canapés, drinks and entertainment, followed by the presentation of certificates to the graduating class.
Made possible THANKS to our 2025 ODA Gala Sponsors
ODA is thrilled to be collaborating with the International Opticians Association (IOA) for our biennial two-day dispenser conference held in Sydney, on Fri March 7th and Sat March 8th, 2025.
ODA Members save 30% off conference passes. Gala tickets just $49 when purchased in combination with your two-day conference pass.
Announcing the 2025 Gala Guest of Honour...
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Mr Chris Beer
Founder and CEO of
George & Matilda Eyecare
With over 40 years in the optical industry, Chris started his career as an Optical Dispenser & Mechanic, and has since held numerous leadership roles including CEO of OPSM before becoming the CEO APAC of Luxottica after they acquired OPSM.
Chris has focused his career on building the team around him, providing them with opportunities to grow and further their own careers. He is a strong believer in the importance of partnership within the practice between the Optometrist and Dispensers - with the complimentary skill sets both roles have providing an amazing patient experience.
NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE
2025 ODA NATIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS.
NOMINATE YOURSELF OR A COLLEAGUE TODAY!
*Nominees must be a current ODA Member to be considered for an award but you don't need to be a member to nominate someone.
Nominations are now OPEN and close on the 14th of February 2025
Award Categories:
ODA National Medal for Optical Dispensing Excellence
The winner of this prestigious award will be an outstanding, qualified Optical Dispenser who champions the profession. They will have excellent dispensing and communication skills, provide exemplary customer service and take immense pride in their role. They will show professionalism and advocacy for optical dispensing and will have evidence of their engagement in nurturing their own professional development.
Rookie of the Year Award
The winner of this award will be a current student, trainee or recently qualified Optical Dispenser that has been in the profession for less than 2 years. It recognises dedication and drive for someone embarking on a career in optics. Entries are welcome from Optical Assistants and Optical Dispensers that possess ambition and enthusiasm towards their role. They will be able to provide evidence showing consistency in exceeding customer expectations and the positive contribution they make in the practice in which they work.
Outstanding Practice Owner Award
The winner of this award will be a dispensing partner or owner of an optical practice that champions their role through empowering and leading their team, providing clinical excellence and delivering exceptional customer service. They will be able to provide evidence of innovation in their practice as well as patient satisfaction and positive team culture. As a qualified Optical Dispenser, they will exude professionalism and represent the profession in an enthusiastic manner.
CEO’s Member Dedication Award
The winner of this award will be an ODA Member that excels in their role and takes pride in the profession and their own ongoing professional development. They will be an advocate that is able to show evidence of engagement within the profession and industry through active participation in networking, events or activities that enhance their knowledge and skills.
Role Model & Leadership Award
The winner of this award will be an Optical Dispenser that fulfills a leadership role within their practice. They may be a team leader, trainer, supervisor or practice manager that motivates and inspires others to be the best they can be. They will be able to provide evidence that shows they conduct themselves in a professional manner, demonstrate clear and concise communication skills guided by compassion, and empowers others to reach their highest potential.
Community Champion Award
The winner of this award will be an Optical Dispenser or Affiliate that demonstrates a positive impact on their local or wider community through participating in charitable work, supporting or implementing community initiatives or consistently going above and beyond their call of duty. They will be able to provide evidence of their community engagement or altruistic activities.