Since 2008 the Optical Distributors and Manufacturers Association of Australia Ltd (ODMA), as part of its commitment to independent practitioners, has made scholarships available (to assist with course fees) to encourage and promote Optical Dispensing as a career.
Click here for ODMA application form
OPTICAL DISPENSING CERTIFICATE IV
To encourage quality optical dispensing five scholarships are available annually.
This can be done through TAFE in most states or via correspondence course through the Open Training and Education Network (OTEN-TAFE). Applicants must be working in the industry and be prepared to devote 2 years or more to completing the course. The Edging and Fitting Module must be undertaken to be eligible. These scholarships are known as the “Lindsay McGregor Scholarships” in memory and respect of the late Lindsay McGregor who played an important and active role in Optical Dispensing throughout Australia and Internationally.
An upgrade to the Health Training Package in 2016 brought changes to the course delivery. The current course is still known as the Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing and its course number is HLT47815-01V01-GR. There are still 14 units of competency required to be completed and TAFE NSW offers this qualification over 3 semesters or 18 months duration.
Below is a link below that takes you to the OTEN website where you can access information on course delivery. Please click the ‘How much is this course?’ button for more details on the Smart and Skilled course fees.
The NSW State government recently changed the fee structure for studying under the Smart and Skilled training scheme. This scheme and course fees only applies to those learners living in NSW or working in NSW. TAFE NSW has had to change its fee structure to comply with this.
http://oten.tafensw.edu.au/course/optical-dispensing-certificate-4/
Please click here for a current enrolment form and course information leaflet that outlines the units covered and fee structure under Smart and Skilled. As well as this Students will need to purchase their two text books and still cover any travel and accommodation expenses to attend any practical tuition and assessment blocks.
The NSW state government no longer subsidises learners living and working in other states or territories. There is now a Fee for service cost or commercial fee for these learners being a one-off $8400.00 (however they are given both text books) but this does not cover any travel and accommodation costs to attend practical blocks.
For scholarship information and application forms please contact ODMA at, 3 Spring Street, Sydney or phone Finola Carey 02 8249 4380, e-mail exec@odma.com.au
Applications close 1st November each year for the following year’s TAFE enrolments.
