It is very exciting to lead ADONZ into 2020 as their new president. ADONZ has certainly evolved compared to when I first joined the executive council six years ago. We have a more systematic approach to everything we do, which is linked to our strategic plan. Our network is stronger, we work closely with the International Opticians Association (IOA) and with Allied Health Association of New Zealand (AHANZ). Our alignment with the new education provider Australasian College of Dispensing (ACOD) has helped fulfil the dream of increasing the number of registered dispensing opticians. We now have 200 practitioners registered to practice with the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board (ODOB). And in past year, six more DOs stepped into optometry practice ownership. So, we undoubtedly are in a growth phase.
We really appreciate the five years past president Donald Crichton has dedicated to serving ADONZ. He created a team environment that empowered us to perform at our best. Donald has been instrumental in improving our relationships with our external network, especially with New Zealand wholesalers and the Board. In June next year he steps into an even more challenging role as president of IOA. I thank him for his ongoing support and wish him all the best for his future endeavours.
We have a very strong team. I welcome vice president Angela Mitchell to the committee, supported by the talented Lucie Single in her second term as secretary/treasurer, and executive council members Missy Hearfield and Courtney Chellew who both, in a very short time, have already got a proven track record for success. We aim to maintain the positive momentum. Our key goals include creating public awareness on the role of DOs, increasing number of qualified practitioners and analysing opportunities for changes to our scope of practice.
Thank you to our 2019 conference exhibitors and supporters: ABDO, ACOD, Black Eyewear, CR Surfacing, De Rigo, Dynamic Eyewear, Eyeline Optical, Independent Lens Specialists (ILS), Little Peach, McCann Optical, MSO, MyHealth1st, Optica, Optique Line, Phoenix Eyewear, Shamir, Specsavers and VSP.
By Vineet Chauhan, president ADONZ
