
Nominations are open for the Optical Dispensers’ Association (ODA) National Excellence Awards.
Sponsored by CR Labs, the annual awards honour outstanding optical dispensers across Australia, celebrating the vital contribution they make to the industry.
The awards will be presented at The 2025 ODA Gala at the Intercontinental Hotel in Sydney on Friday 7 March 2025.
Award Categories
The ODA Excellence Award categories are designed to recognise a variety of accomplishments as follows:
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 who has been in the profession for less than two years. The award 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 who 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 who excels in their role and takes pride in the profession and their own ongoing professional development. They will be an advocate who 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 and Leadership Award
The winner of this award will be an optical dispenser who fulfills a leadership role within their practice. They may be a team leader, trainer, supervisor or practice manager who 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 who 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.
Nominate Now
The awards are open to all ODA members but you don’t need to be a member to nominate someone. Nominations may be completed by the entrant themselves or a colleague by filling out the nomination form on the ODA website.
Purchase tickets for the 2025 ODA gala here.