Industry representatives have welcomed the new Academy of Advanced Ophthalmic Optics.
Launched in Sydney by optometry/dispenser duo Thao and Grant Hannaford, the Academy will offer optical professionals, optometrists and optical dispensers professional education beyond the scope of TAFE, other registered training organisations and undergraduate optometry and vision science programs. The course, approved for 36 CPD points, will comprise online modules, seminars and assessments. Additionally, tailored CPD programs and mentoring is available.
NSW/ACT CEO Andrew McKinnon was enthusiastic about the benefits AAOO would deliver. “A good optical dispenser is an asset to any practice – corporate or private. A great dispenser can help set your practice apart from the crowd – and that’s what I think the Academy stands ready to do – create great dispensers out of good ones,” he said. “But this isn’t just about dispensers. Every top-flight practice I know of has an optometrist who is right at the top of their optics game… the Academy wants to take optometrists on this journey as well.”
“Let’s be frank – around 80 per cent of our income comes from front of house. If both the optometrist and their dispenser are at the leading edge in optics, the practice is going to benefit – everyone wins”
Finola Carey, CEO of the Optical Distributors and Manufacturers Association (ODMA), congratulated Grant and Thao Hannaford. “The pursuit of excellence in optics is a challenge in the Australian deregulated dispensing environment but a worthy endeavour nonetheless and the intention to encourage optometrists and dispensers to participate is welcome news.”
