More than 7,000 Optical Assistant Essentials courses have been completed just one year after the program’s launch by mivision and the Australasian College of Optical Dispensing (ACOD).
The free online education program, which aims to upskill people who are just starting out in a career in optical dispensing, has attracted students from right around the world, including Australia, New Zealand, the United States, United Kingdom, South Africa, Indonesia and Singapore.
Todd Tai, director of mivision, said he is thrilled with the global interest in the program and the spin-off effects it is having on participants, practices and the community.
“A total of 808 young optical assistants are now registered with Optical Assistant Essentials. Of those, impressively, 216 people have completed all 24 modules and we can be assured that they are now equipped to add value to their practices and the patients that come through the doors.
“We know and understand that it can be very difficult for busy practices to provide new employees with the training they need. Inhouse training is often disrupted by everyday workflows, which means vital information and skills may not be communicated. Optical Assistant Essentials bridges the gap with all courses delivered in video format by ACOD directors and trainers; James Gibbins and Chedy Kalach. This means participants receive both expertise and practical demonstrations. Furthermore, because our modules are free and available online, participants can watch them multiple times to reinforce their understanding.”
Mr Gibbins and Mr Kalach said they too have been thrilled with the take-up of the courses.
“With constantly evolving lens technology, a career in optical dispensing is a commitment to lifelong learning and Optical Assistant Essentials is the starting point. We’re now seeing people enroll in the Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing who have completed Optical Assistant Essentials, and they are well prepared for the more complex topics included in the Certificate,” said Mr Gibbins.
Mr Kalach added, “We constantly receive positive feedback from participants around the world, who express their appreciation of the quality content the modules offer and how it is helping them in their careers.
“It’s wonderful to hear about the added value our participants are able to offer to practices, colleagues and patients, even before they have completed all 24 modules of the course, and it’s rewarding to see the modules spark a real passion for optical dispensing as a career.”
Mr Tai said he is delighted to see the program grow organically around the world, with many international students completing the modules.
“This course is as valid for optical assistants in Australia and New Zealand, as it is for any country. If we’re able to contribute to optimal vision correction and practice success outside our local region, that’s an added bonus.”
Mr Tai joined Mr Gibbins and Mr Kalach in thanking the sponsors of Optical Assistant Essentials that have enabled the courses to be developed and delivered.
“Those sponsors are MyHealth1st, Johnson & Johnson, Zeiss, Rodenstock and Aviva. We are grateful for their continued support and are looking forward to continued course take-up in Australia, New Zealand and right around the world,” he said. “We have plans in place to add to the content available and will continue to actively promote it to the sector,” Mr Tai concluded.
Optical Assistant Essentials is free for participants. Delivered online, it is available 24/7 at www.opticalae.com.
