To practise as a dispensing optician in New Zealand, you must be registered with the Board AND hold a current practising certificate. You are welcome to apply for your practising certificate at the same time that you apply for registration. The Board will not process your practising certificate fee until you have been registered.
If you hold a qualification that has been prescribed by the Board for registration within the dispensing optician scope of practice, you are eligible to apply for registration within that scope of practice.
List of prescribed qualifications for registration as a dispensing optician.
NB: Fees are changing from 1 October 2010 to reflect the increase in GST. All applications received after 1 October, or relating to the period on or after 1 October 2010 must be accompanied by the correct fee. Please check the Fees page of our website, or check with our staff if you are unsure which fee you should pay, as an incorrect fee will delay your application. All forms on this website include the fee from 1 October.
Apply using this form if you hold a prescribed qualification. Please ensure you attach all requested documentation. Incomplete applications will be returned.
If you wish to register in New Zealand as a dispensing optician but do not hold a prescribed qualification, you can apply to have your qualification assessed under section 15(2) of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act. The fee for the assessment is $960. Registration application fees are additional.
Click here for the Board's policy on assessment of non-prescribed qualifications, and the application form.
Click here to apply to have your name restored to the Register of Dispensing Opticians if you have previously been registered with the Board, but your registration was cancelled under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act.
If you were removed from the Register prior to 18 September 2004, you must submit a brand new application for registration.
Level 3, Freemason House, 195-201, Willis Street,
Wellington 6011
P O Box 10-140, Wellington 6143, New Zealand
Tel: +64 4 474 0705, Fax +64 4 474 0709