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ADONZ Conference, 2011 4th to 6th of November 2011 at Distinction Hotel, Rotorua. Registrations now closed.
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.
Dispensing Opticians are registered with the Optometrists & Dispensing Opticians Board. They are qualified health care providers and complete continuing education in order to maintain an Annual Practising Certificate.
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 the distance between the centres of the pupils (PD) and the difference between the ocular surface and the lens as well face/frame measurements to provide the best quality vision possible. They also complete pre-testing such as retinal photography, visual fields testing, and instructing patients on insertion, wear and care of contact lenses.
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 technician’s 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. Many Dispensing Opticians also fix, adjust, and refit broken frames. They instruct clients about adapting to, wearing, or caring for spectacles.
