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INFORMATION FOR OVERSEAS TRAINED APPLICANTS

To be able to practise as an optical dispenser in New South Wales you must be licensed or hold an Approval to Practise from the Optical Dispensers Licensing Board. To obtain this you must demonstrate to the Board that you have gained academic qualifications in optical dispensing. It is also necessary for you to have practical experience in optical dispensing.

Applications for Licensing

To apply for a license you must:

Complete an application form for a license which is available from this website or directly from the Board and provide:

  • certified copy of qualifications;
  • certified copy of proof of identify;
  • two character references from persons of professional standing;
  • work references stating you are competent in the field of optical dispensing;
  • passport sized photograph endorsed by a guarantor; and
  • an application fee of $90.00.

If the Board is satisfied that you hold adequate academic qualifications in optical dispensing but is unsure about your practical skills, you may be requested to undertake a proficiency test.

Proficiency Tests

Applicants who do not hold any formal qualifications in optical dispensing will not be eligible to sit the test.

Proficiency Tests (theory and practical) are conducted by the TAFE Sydney Institute. The test can take up to 5 hours and is held twice yearly or as required.

  • A fee for the test is charged (the amount is set depending on the number of candidates).

  • A high standard of spoken English is recommended.

  • New Zealand applicants must complete the contact lens component of the optical dispensing course run by the TAFE Sydney Institute or by the Open Training and Education Network (OTEN).

  • Holders of the FBDO from the United Kingdom are not required to undertake the proficiency test. This qualification is already recognized by the Board.

What Then

Results of the proficiency test are given to the Board directly from the TAFE Sydney Institute.

If I Pass

A license may be granted at the next meeting of the Board or

you may be requested to undertake a specific amount of additional practical experience.

If I Fail

  • A license will not be granted.

  • You may be recommended to undertake the course in optical dispensing at the TAFE Sydney Institute or OTEN.

  • You may sit the proficiency test again.

Practical Training

Practical Training in optical dispensing in NSW consists of 800 hours of supervised practical experience.

If you do not have this amount of practical experience you will need to:

  • apply for an Approval to Practice from the Board; and

  • gain employment with supervision by a licensed optical dispenser or registered optometrist; and

  • complete a log book of your practical training (available from the Board for a small fee).

NSW Health