Our Newly Qualified Optical Dispensers

March 22, 2021

Last year three of our Optical Assistants, Tennille, Sam and Jessica, embarked on a journey to complete a Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing.

Along with a group of optical staff from other independent practices, they undertook this further education to be able to better serve our patients.  Tennille shares with us her experience:



"I won’t hide the fact that it was extremely challenging to complete this qualification.


It had been 15 years since I had done any form of study, what was I thinking?!


With a variety of optical and non-optical units covered we were always kept on our toes. The course consisted of assignments, quiz’s, practical workshops, online zoom workshops and a closed book exam.  The Australasian College of Optical Dispensers (ACOD), our course provider, stepped up in the tough time with COVID and provided additional online support and were only an email away to provide assistance. The trainers at ACOD are very passionate about all things optical.


What did I take from this?


The course provided us with advanced dispensing techniques which were built on our existing skills learnt through our practice. I gained a new outlook on dispensing that perfect pair of glasses to our patients. Not only do we want you to look amazing in your specs, we want to provide you with the best visual outcome possible with top of the line customer service. It re-enforces that each dispense is individual, it is never going to be the same with any two patients. 


The best learning happens in the practice with our colleagues and our patients. I am extremely grateful to have been given the opportunity to complete this course, and to Geoff, John and my fellow work colleagues who were there to provide help and encouragement - we really do have a fabulous team.


I am confident that with all of this extra knowledge and skills learnt we will be able to better your experience with us at Somerville and Merrin."



Tennille Matthews

Optical Dispenser

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