Phillip and Sally Fent, owners/managers of Optom Locum Service

Optom Locum Service, formerly known as the Phillip Fent Locum Service, is expanding its services from Australia into New Zealand.

Optometrist Philip Fent established the company back in 2002, after he had trouble getting optometrist cover for his Warringah Mall practice in Sydney. Since then the company has grown from a one-man band to employing five staff covering Australia and, now, New Zealand.

Although Optom Locum Service has often placed New Zealand optometrists in roles in Australia, Fent says his operations in New Zealand hadn’t been formalised until now. He is hoping to attract both New Zealand optometrists to locum in Australia and Australian optometrists to locum in New Zealand, allowing both to travel and work either in New Zealand or Australia.

Many locums on both sides of the Tasman enjoy the freedom locuming brings as well as offering a great opportunity to travel and meet all types of people, both optometrists and patients, he says, adding that, best of all, it’s really easy. “Travel and accommodation is organised on your behalf and paid for. All you need to do is fly in and fly out.”

For optometrists looking to work in Australia, you will need to register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

For more information see www.optomlocumservice.com.au.