The Association of Dispensing Opticians of New Zealand (ADONZ) has withdrawn its support for the Australasian College of Optical Dispensing’s (ACOD) Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing, saying it wants to raise educational standards for dispensing opticians in Aotearoa New Zealand.
ADONZ communicated its position to members in May, with the executive committee saying the decision followed an ongoing evaluation and curriculum review conducted by ADONZ and its educational arm, OptiBlocks. During the review, “concerns were identified regarding whether aspects of the current course content sufficiently align with the practical, clinical and professional requirements of New Zealand practitioners – both within the current regulated environment and with consideration to the future direction of dispensing optics in New Zealand.”
Speaking to NZ Optics, ADONZ members said there were “anecdotal” concerns about slipping education standards and the lack of an educational pathway supporting career progression for qualified dispensing opticians.
However, the ADONZ executive committee has stressed the decision is not a reflection of dissatisfaction with any individual educator or organisation. “ADONZ acknowledges the contribution education providers have made to the profession over many years and remains committed to maintaining respectful and constructive professional relationships,” it said.
ADONZ noted that future reaccreditation decisions sit solely with the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board (ODOB), the regulatory authority responsible for determining which programmes are accredited as part of the registration pathway for dispensing opticians in New Zealand. Importantly, the Certificate IV remains accredited by the ODOB, meaning students who successfully complete the programme remain eligible to apply for registration as dispensing opticians in New Zealand.







