Deakin University says its new training centre, housed within the Australian College of Optometry’s Melbourne-based facility, is the most advanced of its type in Australia or New Zealand.
The Deakin Optometry Training Centre was formally opened on 31 October by the Deakin University’s Foundation Director of Optometry, Professor Harrison Weisinger.
The Training Centre was designed and built by Specsavers in a major sponsorship undertaking, Professor Weisinger said. The Centre has 10 Test Lanes, each fully equipped by Specsavers and Luxottica.
“This is a massive step forward for optometry in Australia and in many ways represents a critical piece in Deakin University’s optometry training jigsaw, adding as it does to the state-of-the-art Geelong campus and our clinical residential placements.
“As a part of the overall suite of infrastructure needed to deliver up to 100 new Deakin graduates each year, this Training Centre at the Australian College of Optometry is another cornerstone,” he said.
Asked why Specsavers had chosen to be involved in the build, Commerical Director Paul Bott said the company recognised “as well as anyone that Australia has a potential shortfall of optometrists”.
“Investing in the design and build of this facility to support Deakin University’s vision demonstrates that we also support a growing optometry workforce.
“We particularly support Deakin’s regional focus. It is paramount that regional areas are not left behind in the supply of community optometrists as we look to the future,” Mr. Bott said.
