I read with interest the recent letter to NZ Optics (August 2025) ‘Time for ADONZ to take over ODOB’s role?’ and would first like to thank the author for sharing their thoughts so candidly. The issues raised, from rising costs to confusion over regulatory responsibilities, are ones we hear often and take seriously.
The Association of Dispensing Opticians New Zealand (ADONZ) understands that dispensing opticians in New Zealand are facing increasing financial pressure. Registration fees, ongoing compliance and the responsibility of staying current with best practice are all real challenges, especially in a profession as small as ours. But this letter is also an opportunity to clarify some fundamental misunderstandings about the roles of the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board (ODOB) and ADONZ and to consider what is truly at stake in any move toward self-regulation or deregulation.
The ODOB is a Responsible Authority under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (HPCAA). Its primary mandate is to protect the health and safety of the public by ensuring that all registered practitioners are competent and fit to practise. It is not, and has never been, the role of the Board to serve or advocate for the profession itself.
ADONZ exists to support, represent and champion dispensing opticians. We do this by advocating to the government, submitting to regulatory reviews, providing high-quality CPD, supporting students and new graduates, engaging with employers and helping to shape the future of the profession. We do it for all dispensing opticians – regardless of whether they hold membership or not. To suggest that ADONZ take over the role of the Board is to combine regulation with representation – two functions that, while interconnected, are not interchangeable.
In 2010, Australia deregulated optical dispensing. Today, there are no national education standards, no protected title, no legal requirement for dispensing competence and very few mechanisms for consumer protection. Many experienced practitioners report a significant loss of professional recognition, inconsistent training standards and reduced public understanding of the role. Some even look to New Zealand with envy. That’s why ADONZ continues to strongly support an appropriately regulated model in New Zealand – one that recognises the clinical responsibilities of dispensing and preserves public trust.
