Optical Dispensers Graduation 2008

Marking its 28th consecutive year, the convocation was held at the elegant Dockside Restaurant in Sydney's Darling Harbour. The night was opened by Peter Jackson, President of the Australasian Dispensing Opticians Association, who was joined throughout the ceremony by several prominent optical industry leaders.

Guest of Honour, TAFE OTEN Head David Wilson, delivered the evening's formal address with inspiring and practical insights on the "strength and future of the optical industry and the vital roles, challenges and career paths graduates will now undertake."

Relieving Assistant Director at the TAFE NSW Western Sydney Institute, Ron Wright, praised students on their achievements, effort and commitment, whilst paying tribute to the staff's underlying support, summarising the affair as "providing a platform for students to embark on a new chapter of their lives in a rapidly changing economic landscape". "With the continued transformations in the optical industry comes new challenges for practitioners and trainees, as well as opportunities for life long learning," said Mr. Wilson. During the ceremony, Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing, Certificate III Optical Mechanics, Certificate IV in Optical Technology and The ADOA Diploma in Ophthalmic Practice Management were presented to the 93 graduates from around Australia and New Zealand.

Recipients were awarded their honours on stage by Cecilia Cilesio, Relieving Assistant Director, OTEN-WSI, and Maggie Connors, Assistant Director of Educational Programmes, TAFE Ultimo, who both commended the industry for its continued student success rates and remarked on the myriad of career opportunities, which lay ahead.

Of note, graduate Danielle Staples, was awarded the NSW TAFE State Medal for the highest average mark in optical dispensing as well as the Course Prize; Can Vu took out the 2007/2008 Optical Mechanics Course Prize; while Penelope Luca, who presented the Graduate Appreciation address, accepted the 2008 Achievement Award.

During the presentation, guests dined on salmon fillets on a bed of jasmine rice with green curry sauce, and roasted beef tenderloins, with sautéed mushrooms and cabernet jus. A beautiful lavender panna cotta and steamed chocolate pudding and fudge sauce were served for dessert.

Special industry guests included: John Jackson, Peter Jackson, Glenn Marsh, James Gibbins, David Wilson, Ron Wright, Steven Daras, Richard Grills, Ted Butler, Rebecca Nurse, Stephen Flanagan, Lindsay McGregor, Cecilia Cilesio and Maggie Connors.