Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:56 AM AWST
22/07/2026 10:56 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Dispense optical appliances and services
Dispense optical appliances and services
Unit of competency
National Code
HLTOPD403C
HLTOPD403C
State Code
WD230
WD230
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
29/08/2012
Field of Education
060903 - Optical Technology
Original Release Date
29/08/2012
Nominal Hours
110
Description
DescriptorThis unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to dispense optical appliances and services
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Establish a positive relationship with the client
- 1.1 Review prescription or customer record and explain procedures to the client
- 1.2 Determine client's needs and expectations
- 1.3 Give client the opportunity to ask questions and discuss concerns
- 1.4 Gain informed consent from client where applicable
- 1.5 Identify and meet special needs of client
- 1.6 Maintain confidentiality of client information
- 1.7 Build rapport with the client
- 1.8 Communicate clearly with the client throughout the discussion
- 1.9 Provide feedback to the client
- 1.10 Involve the client in the decision making process
2. Fit optical appliances to client
- 2.1 Interpret prescription to determine the product most suited to the client's needs
- 2.2 Neutralise spectacles and take measurements
- 2.3 Determine the style and performance requirements of the optical appliance in consultation with the client and in accordance with manufacturer's recommended procedures and industry best practice
- 2.4 Explain to the client how the optical appliance will meet the client's visual, functional and cosmetic needs
- 2.5 Take special needs of client into account in the fitting of optical appliances
- 2.6 Adjust frames to client to optimise visual performance
- 2.7 Ensure optical appliances meet acceptable hygiene standards
- 2.8 Instruct client on correct use and care of appliance
- 2.9 Give the client the opportunity to voice concerns in relation to optical appliance
3. Complete the transaction
- 3.1 Complete financial transaction in accordance with relevant policies and procedures
- 3.2 Complete records in accordance with relevant policies and procedures
- 3.3 Present and store records in accordance with organisation and legal requirements
- 3.4 Complete documentation in accordance with organisation requirements and with industry standards
4. Provide follow up service to client
- 4.1 Recommend client follow up
- 4.2 Modify fit as required
- 4.3 Review client outcomes and compare to client's goals
- 4.4 Provide information in relation to additional support services are provided to the client
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
Information may include:
Client record
Consent forms
Correspondence
Current standards
Information for clients
Referral letter
The prescription
Environment may include:
Optical dispensary
Optical workshop
Optometric practice
Retail store
Equipment and instruments may include:
Focimeter (lensmeter)
Frame adjustment tools
Lens thickness gauge
Low vision aids
Optical frame heater
Optician’s lens measure
Parallel rule
PD Rule
Pupillometer
Ultrasonic cleaner
Clients may include:
Adults
Aged persons
Young people
Children
Informed consent may include:
Written
Verbal
Implied
Confidentiality of client information may include:
Adherence to the Privacy Act
Information disclosed to an appropriate person consistent with the responsibility of this position
Legal and ethical requirements
Offering a private location for discussions
Optometric client records
Secure location for written records
Telephone conversations
Measurements include
Monocular PDs
Monocular heights
BVD (frame and trial frame)
Pantascopic tllt
Transactions may include
Manual transactions
Online transactions
Third party transactions
Health insurance transactions
Modification techniques must include:
Frame alignment and adjustment including:
BVD
Pantoscopic tilt
Dihedral angle (facial wrap)
Relevant policies and procedures may include:
Industry professional bodies
Industry standards (state and national)
Organisation
Privacy Act
Relevant Australian standards
Relevant state/territory WHS bodies
Information may include:
Client record
Consent forms
Correspondence
Current standards
Information for clients
Referral letter
The prescription
Environment may include:
Optical dispensary
Optical workshop
Optometric practice
Retail store
Equipment and instruments may include:
Focimeter (lensmeter)
Frame adjustment tools
Lens thickness gauge
Low vision aids
Optical frame heater
Optician’s lens measure
Parallel rule
PD Rule
Pupillometer
Ultrasonic cleaner
Clients may include:
Adults
Aged persons
Young people
Children
Informed consent may include:
Written
Verbal
Implied
Confidentiality of client information may include:
Adherence to the Privacy Act
Information disclosed to an appropriate person consistent with the responsibility of this position
Legal and ethical requirements
Offering a private location for discussions
Optometric client records
Secure location for written records
Telephone conversations
Measurements include
Monocular PDs
Monocular heights
BVD (frame and trial frame)
Pantascopic tllt
Transactions may include
Manual transactions
Online transactions
Third party transactions
Health insurance transactions
Modification techniques must include:
Frame alignment and adjustment including:
BVD
Pantoscopic tilt
Dihedral angle (facial wrap)
Relevant policies and procedures may include:
Industry professional bodies
Industry standards (state and national)
Organisation
Privacy Act
Relevant Australian standards
Relevant state/territory WHS bodies
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
Observation of actual or simulated workplace performance is essential for assessment of this unit
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace
Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible
In some states/territories participants must have a licence to practice prior to placement in the workplace
Competency log book where required for licensing
Context of and specific resources for assessment:
Resources essential for assessment include:
Spectacle frames
Spectacle lenses
Pupillometer
Frame adjusting tools
BVD gauge or rule
PD rule
Parallel rule
Opticians lens measure
Method of assessment
Observation in the work place (if possible)
Written assignments/projects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge
Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice
Logbook
Access and equity considerations:
All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities
Related units:
This unit should be undertaken after or in conjunction with:
HLTOPD407C Perform workshop skills and place orders
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
Observation of actual or simulated workplace performance is essential for assessment of this unit
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace
Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible
In some states/territories participants must have a licence to practice prior to placement in the workplace
Competency log book where required for licensing
Context of and specific resources for assessment:
Resources essential for assessment include:
Spectacle frames
Spectacle lenses
Pupillometer
Frame adjusting tools
BVD gauge or rule
PD rule
Parallel rule
Opticians lens measure
Method of assessment
Observation in the work place (if possible)
Written assignments/projects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge
Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice
Logbook
Access and equity considerations:
All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities
Related units:
This unit should be undertaken after or in conjunction with:
HLTOPD407C Perform workshop skills and place orders
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D8388 | HLTOPD403B | Dispense optical appliances and services | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVA05 | HLTOPD002 | Dispense optical appliances | Unit of competency |
| AVA06 | HLTOPD001 | Provide advice on optical appliances | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J096 | HLT43512 | Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing | Qualification |