Board E-Communications

During the year, the Board regularly issues e-communications to practitioners and stakeholders that include news on the work of the Board, updates to policies, standards or guidelines, important information that practitioners need to be aware of, and requests for input and feedback.

Click on the links below to access recent e-communications issued by the Board

July:

21 July 2022: E-Communications: General Update: Telehealth Standards And COVID-19 Vaccinators

18 July 2022: E-Communications: Special update: The introduction to a new Scope Specialist Optometrist Scope of Practice in Ophthalmic laser Surgeries

6 July 2022: E-Communications: General Update: Health Reform, Masks And Other Matters

May:

26 May 2022 E-Communications: CONSULTATION: Proposal to revoke RMIT University’s Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing qualification

18 May 2022 E – Communications: General Communication COVID-19 and Other Matters

April:

13 April 2022 E – Communications: ODOB CONSULTATION – Revised Standards Of Clinical Competence For DOs – 13 April 2022

March:

25 March 2022 E-Communications: Final reminder: ODOB applications for the renewal of 2022/2023 APCs due 31 March 2022

17 March 2022 E-Communications: ODOB Reminder about the APC renewals and other matters

7 March 2022 E- Communications: ODOB new Board Chair, Deputy Board Chair and other matters

2 March 2022: E-Communications: ODOB applications for the renewal of the 2022/2023 APC due 31 March 2022

February:
24 February 2022 E-Communications: Notifications Regarding The Wakaminenga Kaunihera Hauora Health Council (WHC) –

17 February 2022 E-Communications GENERAL COMMUNICATION: Applications for the 2022/2023 APC renewals are now open

4 February 2022 E-Communications ODOB Consultation on draft Telehealth standards

January:

20 January 2022: E-Communications COVID-19 Protection Framework and Mandatory Vaccinations Order – Key messages

19 January 2022: E -Communications General Update – Vacancies on the ODOB Board

December:

20 December 2021: E-Communications General Update – End of Year Message from the Chair & Registrar

November:

24 November 2021 E-Communications General Update – Compulsory CPR requirement

10 November 2021 E-Communications Consultations on the proposals for a New Specialist Optometrist Scope of Practice in Ophthalmic Laser Surgeries and its New Prescribed Qualification

October:

21 October 2021 E-Communications General Update

4 October 2021 E- Communication (OPTOM) E-Communication: CPD end of cycle 31 October 2021

September:

17 September 2021 E-Communication (OPTO) Consultation on Cultural Competence Standards

The Board also issues consultations during the year via email. Information on these can be found on the ‘Latest news’ page of the Board’s website. Click here to go to this page.

Vacancy – Deputy registrar

Please visit the job listing below for information on this vacancy, and the online application process.

https://mclaren.co.nz/vacancies/?ja-job=3930554

Consultations

Current consultations

There are no current consultation.

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Previous consultations

Consultation to revoke RMIT University’s Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing as an accredited and prescribed qualification with the Board

The Board consulted on its proposal to revoke RMIT University’s Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing as an accredited, and prescribed qualification.

Click here to view the consultation document.

This consultation is now closed.

One submission was received in support of the proposal. On 18 July 2022, the Board approved the proposal and the Gazette was submitted on 19 July 2022.

Consultation on the draft Revised Clinical Standards for Dispensing Opticians

The Board consulted on its draft Revised Clinical Standards for Dispensing Opticians.

Click here to view the Consultation Document.

Appendix 1

Appendix 2

This consultation is now closed.

The Board received seven submissions for this consultation. Once they have considered all the submissions, the outcome will be communicated as soon as it is avaliable.

Consultation on draft Telehealth standards

The Board is consulting on its draft Telehealth standards for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians.

Click here to view the Consultation Document

Appendix 1

Appendix 2

The Board received five submissions for this consultation. On 12 July 2022 the Board approved the draft Telehealth Standards (and revised statement of on Internet and Electronic Communication). Both are effective as on 12 July 2022 and uploaded on the Board’s website – Statements and Guidelines.

Consultations on the proposal to introduce a new Specialist optometrist scope of practice to include Ophthalmic Laser Surgeries

The Board consulted on the proposal to introduce a new Specialist optometrist scope of practice – Ophthalmic laser surgeries.

Click here to view the consultation document.

This consultation is now closed.

The Board received 23 submissions for both consultations – the proposal to introduce a new Specialist optometrist scope of practice – Ophthalmic laser surgeries, and the proposal to introduce a precribed qualification for those who wish to train and be registered in the Specialist optometrist scope of practice – Ophthalmic laser surgeries.

The Board approved the proposal for the New Specialist optometrist scope of practice – Ophthalmic laser surgeries.

The combined summary report of the submissions received can be viewed here: Submission summary report (May 2022).

Consultation on the proposal to introduce a prescribed qualification for those who wish to train and be registered in the Specialist optometrist scope of practice – Ophthalmic laser surgeries

The Board consulted on a proposal to introduce a prescribed qualification for those who wish to train and be registered in the Specialist optometrist scope of practice – Ophthalmic laser surgeries.

Click here to view the consultation document.

Appendix 1

This consultation is now closed.

The Board received 23 submissions for both consultations – the proposal for a new Specialist scope of practice to include Ophthalmic laser surgeries, and the proposal for a precribed qualification for the Specialist optometrist scope of practice – Ophthalmic laser surgeries.

The Board approved the proposal for a precribed qualification for the Specialist optometrist scope of practice – Ophthalmic laser surgeries.

The combined summary report of the submissions received can be viewed here: Submission summary report (May 2022).

Consultations on Standards of Cultural Competence for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians

The Board consulted on a proposal of its revised Standards of Cultural Competence for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians.

Click here to view consultation document.

Click here to view Appendix One

This consultation is now closed.

Seven submissions were received. After careful review the Board made some modification, mostly related to the preamble/background, and to include “cultural safety”. A few cosmetic edits were made to enhance usability. The standards will be effective 1 January 2022.

Consultation on Accreditation Standards for Optical Dispensing Education Programmes

The Board consulted on Accreditation Standards for Optical Dispensing Education Programmes.

Click here to view the consultation document.

Click here to view Appendix 1

Click here to view Appendix 2

This consultation is now closed.

The Board received four submissions. The Accreditation standards and its associated guidelines document have been approved and will be effective 1 January 2022.

Consultation on Revised Standards of Ethical Conduct for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians

The Board consulted on a proposal to revise the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians.

Click here to view the full consultation document (which contains all appendices).

Click here to view Appendix 1a

Click here to view Appendix 1b

Click here to view Appendix 2

Click here to view Appendix 3

This consultation is now closed.

Consultation on a proposal to include Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) in Recertification Programmes for Dispensing Opticians and Optometrists

The Board consulted on a proposal to include Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) in Recertification Programmes for Dispensing Opticians and Optometrists

Click here to view the full consultation document.

Consultation on proposed changes to the DO Scope of Practice

The Board consulted on a proposal to amend the Dispensing Optician Scope of Practice.

Click here to view the consultation document.

This consultation is now closed.

Six submissions were received for this consultation.

Draft Naming Policy Consultaon

The Board was required by the 2019 amendments to the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (HPCA Act) to develop a naming policy to describe the circumstances under which an optometrist or dispensing optician who is the subject of an order or determination may be publicly named. This policy had to be in place by 11 April 2020. The Board consulted on a draft Naming Policy.

Click here to view the consultation document.

This consultation is now closed.

Three submissions were received for this consultation.

The final version of this policy can be found here.

Fees Consultation 2020/21

The Board consulted on a proposal to reduce the disciplinary for optometrists for the practising/financial year commencing 1 April 2020.

Click here to view the consultation document.

This consultation is now closed.

One submission was received for this consultation, indicating no objection to the proposal. The Board resolved to proceed with its proposal and a new Fees Notice was published in the New Zealand Gazette on the 29th of January 2020.

FBDO (Malaysia) Qualification Amendment

The Board consulted on a proposal to amend one of the qualifications currently prescribed for the Dispensing Optician Scope of Practice. This proposal related to the FBDO (Malaysia) qualification offered by the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO).

Click here to view the consultation document.

This consultation is now closed.

Two submissions were received for this consultation, both in support of the proposal. The Board resolved to proceed with its proposal and a new Scopes of Practice notice was published in the New Zealand Gazette on the 13th of December 2019.

Removal of requirement for Edging and Fitting unit

The Board consulted on a proposal to amend one of the qualifications currently prescribed for the Dispensing Optician Scope of Practice. This proposal relates to the Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing qualification offered by the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT).

Click here to view the consultation document.

This consultation is now closed.

The Board received 9 submissions on the Board’s consultation; 2 from interested organisations and 7 from individual practitioners.

Introduction of requirement for ethical and cultural CPD in recertification programmes

The Board consulted on a proposal to modify the requirements of the recertification programmes it has set for the two professions.

Click here to view the consultation document.

This consultation is now closed.

The Board received five submissions on the Board’s consultation; 1 from an interested organisation and four from individual practitioners. All supported the introduction of the requirement so long as there was adequate CPD available. The Board considered these submissions and resolved to proceed with its proposal. The Board intends to ensure it makes adequate CPD available, including at annual Association conferences. The Board further resolved to encourage practitioners to bring anything they hear or learn about to the Board’s attention so that the Board can approach the organiser to be accredited.

Latest Newsletter

Follow the link below to read the latest Board E-Communication

This E-Communication was sent out to practitioners on the 12th of April 2021

Click here

New Board Members

New Board Members Appointed

On the 21st May 2020, two new Board members were appointed to the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board. Zoe Ross was appointed to the Board as a dispensing optician member. Ravi Dass was appointed as an optometrist member.

To read more about the Board members follow the link below:

Meet the Board