Registering as a dispensing optician
To practise as a dispensing optician in Aotearoa New Zealand you must be registered with the Optometrists & Dispensing Opticians Board of New Zealand (ODOB). You will need an eligible qualification, as prescribed by the ODOB, to be eligible to apply for registration within this scope of practice.
Dispensing opticians will be required to meet the ODOB’s recertification requirements.
The ODOB has set standards and guidelines for clinical competence which should be read in conjunction with the Gazetted scope of practice.
On this page: Things to consider | How to register | Application tips | Records of training
Things to consider before registering
Please read our Scopes of Practice so you understand the scope of practice you are registering for, and the prescribed qualifications required.
Each registration pathway lists accredited programmes leading to registration in a specific scope of practice. See if your qualification allows for direct registration.
Registration Pathway
If you do not hold a prescribed qualification but wish to register, you may become eligible for registration by successfully completing the OptiBlocks examination. These are theory and practical examinations facilitated through the Association of Dispensing Opticians of New Zealand (ADONZ).
For information on the examination and fees, please contact ADONZ directly.
For those holding a recognised qualification, registering as a Dispensing Optician with the Board is a choice.
Some of the reasons why people choose to register include:
- The title of "dispensing optician" identifies you as a registered health care provider as opposed to a retail assistant position.
- Being registered is an advantage for career advancement.
- It reassures the public that you are qualified, and that you agree to adhere to your scope of practice to ensure public safety.
- ODOB recertification requirements keep you up-to-date with clinical and technical advancements.
- Membership of the Association of Dispensing Opticians of New Zealand (ADONZ), provides the chance to interact with colleagues, attend CPD and conferences, and share information and technology with other associations.
In Aotearoa New Zealand, the title "dispensing optician" is protected by law. So if you choose NOT to Register, you must not use a title remotely close to "dispensing optician". This is a protected title and if you use it without being registered, you will risk prosecution by the Ministry of Health.
Similarly, if you are registered, you must use the title "dispensing optician" and no other title for as long as you remain registered.
For more information on the legalities of using the title "dispensing optician", read the ODOB’s pamphlet on Registration as a dispensing optician in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Pamphlet on Registration as a dispensing optician in Aotearoa New Zealand
Important Information on being registered vs. not registered as a dispensing optician
How to register
- Submit your registration application with supporting documentation, including a completed Record of Training/Log Book (see below).
- Pay the registration fee.
General Registration Application
Complete this application if you have one of these qualifications:
- Open Technical Education Network (OTEN) / New South Wales Technical and Further Education Commission’s (TAFE) Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing.
- Australasian College of Optical Dispensing’s (ACOD) Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing.
- Association of British Dispensing Opticians’ (ABDO) Level 6 Diploma in Ophthalmic Dispensing (FBDO) (United Kingdom (UK)). Graduates are awarded the Fellowship of British Dispensing Opticians (FBDO).
- Association of British Dispensing Opticians’ (ABDO) Level 6 Diploma in Ophthalmic Dispensing (Overseas pathway, for students outside the UK). Graduates are awarded the Fellowship of British Dispensing Opticians (FBDO).
The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) / RMIT University’s Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing (conferred on or after 31 May 2009) was revoked and came into effect on 15 September 2022. View Gazette notice (number 2022-gs2983) below.
Revocation of RMIT University’s Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing Qualification
Completing a Record of Training/Log Books
Below are downloadable Record of Training/Log Books. Download the document which is relevant to the qualification you are working towards, and submit it along with your registration application: