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The Association of Dispensing Opticians of New Zealand (ADONZ) was formed in 1952 when the first official meeting was held in Palmerston North. Throughout the history of Dispensing Optics in New Zealand, the ADONZ has been instrumental in every new regulation and in the education of Dispensing Opticians.
What Does A Dispensing Optician Do?
Dispensing opticians interpret written prescriptions to determine the specifications of lenses. They recommend spectacle frames, lenses, and lens coatings after considering the prescription and the customer's occupation, habits, and facial features. Dispensing opticians measure clients' eyes, including the distance between the centres of the pupils and the distance between the ocular surface and the lens. For customers without prescriptions, dispensing opticians may use a focimeter to record spectacle measurements in order to duplicate the spectacles. They also may obtain a customer's previous record to re-make spectacles or contact lenses, or they may verify a prescription with the prescribing optometrist or ophthalmologist.
Dispensing opticians prepare work orders that give ophthalmic laboratory technicians information needed to grind and insert lenses into a frame. The work order includes prescriptions for lenses and information on their size, material, colour, and style. Some dispensing opticians grind and insert lenses themselves. After the spectacles are made, dispensing opticians verify that the lenses have been ground to specifications. Then they may reshape or bend the frame, by hand or using pliers, so that the spectacles fit the customer properly and comfortably. Some also fix, adjust, and refit broken frames. They instruct clients about adapting to, wearing, or caring for spectacles.