The inaugural ODA National Excellence Awards will take place at the ODA Gala in the Luna Park Sydney Ballroom on the eve of Friday April 28th 2023. The awards aim to honour outstanding Optical Dispensers across Australia, and celebrate 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 a colleague.
Nominations will open from 21st February 2023 and will close on 31st March 2023. Categories can be seen below and you can nominate yourself or someone else here: NOMINATE NOW
Gala Tickets are available to the entire industry and include spectacular Sydney Harbour views, drinks, canapes, wonderful networking opportunities and a whole lot of fun!
In addition to the presentation of awards, the celebratory evening will also play host to the Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing Graduation and will be the highlight of the 2 day ODA Conference that is also taking place in Sydney on 28th - 29th April 2023. More information on the conference can be found at www.odamembers.com.au/odaconference
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.
Sustainability Champion Award
The winner of this award will be an Optical Dispenser or Affiliate that possesses environmental awareness and participates in sustainable practices. They will be able to provide evidence showing their commitment to improving the environment through waste reduction, sustainable forward thinking and implementing ideas for a greener future whilst meeting the needs of their clients.
Support Services Dedication Award
The winner of this award will be an Optical Dispenser or Affiliate that provides a support service to retail optical practices. They may be a supplier representative, a customer service associate, a lab technician or may even be in a support office role. They will be able to provide evidence that demonstrates excellence in service, quality and nurturing relationships, all whilst exceeding their clients’ needs.
Terms & Conditions + Nomination Requirements:
· Entries are welcome from individuals working in practices / companies of all types and sizes from all states and territories of Australia.
· It is FREE to enter yourself or nominate someone.
· To be considered for an award, nominated individuals must be an ODA Member at the time of nomination and presentation (NB: this is not a requirement for colleagues making the nomination).
· To be eligible, the entrant must meet the criteria for the nominated award and be able to provide the requested evidence.
· The entrant or person nominating, must answer all questions on the nomination form and may supply up to three (3) optional supporting files to provide evidence of merit.
· Supporting files may include: photos, videos, references, customer feedback, certificates of achievement, documents or similar.
· An entrant may enter as many categories as they like, as long as they meet the categories criteria.
· The judging panel will consist of up to twelve judges from the ODA Advisory Board, Corporate and Media Partners.
· Judges will be fairly designated across various industry sectors.
· The judges’ decision is final, and their deliberations are confidential.
· Winners will be announced, and awards presented at the ODA National Excellence Awards Gala Night in Sydney on April 28th 2023.