Kia ora and welcome to the website of the New Zealand Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board

The Board is responsible under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 for ensuring that optometrists and dispensing opticians are competent and fit to practise their professions - both when they apply for registration, and on an ongoing basis.

The Board is made up of representatives of each of the professions it regulates, and public representatives.

Important notice: registration in Australia

As of 1 July 2010, there is now one national registration body for optometrists (and other regulated health professions) in Australia.  All individual State boards have been abolished under new legislation. Optometrists in New Zealand who wish to register to practise in Australia will need to contact the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) www.ahpra.gov.au for information.   AHPRA has not yet developed an application form for applicants applying under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act (TTMRA), but have advised us that as well as being registered here, optometrists will need a current New Zealand annual practising certificate when applying under TTMRA.

As of 1 July 2010, optical dispensing has been deregulated in Australia. 

News and information

For updates on consultations, new policies adopted, and other Board news, please keep an eye on our "Publications and News" page.