SCHOLARSHIP FUNDING PROGRAM

Guidelines For Applicants

1. AIM

   The Board provides scholarships for suitably qualified licensed NSW optical dispensers to assist them to further their competency in optical dispensing by enrolling in the "Diploma in Ophthalmic Practice Management" course conducted by the OTEN College of TAFE for and on behalf of the Australasian Dispensing Opticians Association.

   The Scholarships have been set up in terms of the provisions of Section 20(c) of the Optical Dispensers Act 1963 and provide NSW licensed optical dispensers with professional development opportunities in accordance with the Act that states the objective "to make provision for the licensing of optical dispensers; to regulate the qualifications for and the effect of such licensing;......"

2. ELIGIBILITY

   Scholarships are made available to applicants who are licensed optical dispensers in New South Wales. A scholarship is awarded to a specific individual and is not transferable.

   Unsuccessful applicants may reapply in subsequent rounds of offers. Any subsequent application must be accompanied by fresh and complete documentation.

   Applicants will not be eligible for a scholarship if they previously received a NSW Optical Dispensers Licensing Board scholarship but failed to successfully complete the Diploma in Ophthalmic Practice Management course.

3. FUNDING AVAILABLE

   Up to twelve (12) scholarships will be offered each year. Each scholarship will be funded up to the maximum cost of the Diploma in Ophthalmic Practice Management course which is currently valued at $1844.00 and is made up of 2 Stages. Stage 1 of the course is valued at $845.00 and Stage 2 of the course is valued at $999.00. Any additional costs, including the cost of text books are to be met by the student.

4. APPLICATION PROCESS

   1. Application for scholarships must be made on the current form supplied by the NSW Optical Dispensers Licensing Board ('the Board').

   2. Applications submitted using a form that is not current will not be accepted.

   3. All applications must be accompanied by the documents listed in the application form. Applications will not normally be considered if all the required information has not been provided. Should extenuating circumstances arise which prevent inclusion of a document, a statement referring to this must be attached. Where it is agreed that such documentation be provided at a later time, then the original and three (3) copies should be supplied.

   4. All pages of the application should be numbered and the application form placed on top of all other documents. The original and three (3) copies of the application and supporting documents must be collated and stapled.

   5. Applications must be received in the Board's office by the due date. Applications made by facsimile will not be accepted unless dispensation has been granted.

5. SELECTION AND APPROVAL PROCESS

   A scholarship awarding committee comprising Board and independent members will review all applications. The grant awarding committee recommends funding, however final approval and authorisation of scholarship payments remains with the Board. Applications will be awarded on merit, and relevance to objectives of the Optical Dispensers Act 1963. The Board’s decision regarding the awarding of a scholarship is final and no correspondence will be entered into regarding the decision.

   All successful applicants must complete an agreement form as supplied by the NSW Optical Dispensers Licensing Board.

   Money for scholarships will be paid directly to the OTEN College of TAFE on behalf of the recipient and will be provided in two parts. Part A upon enrolment in Stage 1 of the course and Part B upon successful completion of Stage 1.

6. COURSE REQUIREMENTS

   1. The scholarship recipient must enrol in the course within one month of receiving notification that the application has been accepted by the Board.

   2. The scholarship recipient must complete Stage 1 of the Diploma in Ophthalmic Practice Management course within twelve (12) months of commencement of the course.

   3. Upon completion of Stage 1 of the course, the scholarship recipient must provide the Board with an academic transcript.

   4. Upon successful completion of Stage 1 and acknowledgement by the Board, the scholarship recipient is to commence Stage 2 of the Diploma in Ophthalmic Practice Management course.

   5. The scholarship recipient must complete Stage 2 of the Diploma in Ophthalmic Practice Management course within twelve (12) months of commencement of Stage 2 of the course.

7. REPORTING

   The scholarship recipient must supply a copy of the course results to the Board within one (1) month of completing the course of study.

CLOSING DATES 

The closing date for receipt of applications is 31 March each year. Applications will be considered shortly after the closing date.

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