EP7: Adapting to Change: Empowering Optical Dispensers Through Continuing Professional Development (CPD) with April Petrusma
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In this episode, Michael Nasser invites April Petrusma, CEO of Optical Dispenser Australia (ODA) and Optical teacher at ACOD - Australianasian College of Optical Dispensing, to share her extensive experience in the optical dispensing industry and discuss the importance of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in adapting to change and creating new opportunities in optometry practice.
During the conversation, Michael and April delve into the impact of regulations and deregulation in the industry, the role of CPD in improving patient care, and the evolving landscape of optical dispensing. April also shares her insights into how technology and AI are transforming the eye care industry and emphasizes the necessity for professionals to stay current with these changes.
April holds a degree in visual communication design and is an experienced Optical Dispenser with a high level of expertise in optics, business management, and tertiary education. After 12 years of working in graphic design and photography, April switched and focused on a different kind of view—health care. April is now committed to professional excellence and ensuring the optical dispensing profession reaches its full potential.
Key Topics with Timestamps:
4:18 - April Petrusma's career background
6:04 - Roles of ACOD and ODA in the optical industry
8:46 - Regulation and Deregulation impact
14:23 - The value of Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
16:01 - Accessibility and evolution of CPD opportunities
16:48 - ODA’s role in CPD for optical dispensers
21:26 - The future of CPD for professionalism and dispensers
22:54 - CPD’s effect on patient care, team culture and overall quality of service
27:53 - Real-life examples of CPD influence
29:42 - CPD career opportunities in the optical industry
32:24 - Broadening career horizons through CPD
32:28 - Never stop seeking out learning opportunities
34:59 - Technology and AI in optometry
37:36 - Constantly refine skills and knowledge to remain current
Mentioned Resources:
2025 ODA International Conference’ in SYDNEY
EP5: Elevate Your Practice: Topic 3 - Building Effective Teams
Connect with April Petrusma:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-petrusma-5560097a/
Email: april@odamembers.com.au
Learn More About Us:
Website: https://www.thefocusedview.com.au/
Email: Michael@thefocusedview.com.au
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-focused-view
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefocusedview/
Thank you for joining us in this episode of The Focused View Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, give us a 5-Star rating, and leave a review on Apple Podcast and Spotify to help us reach even more eye care professionals and build a community of innovation and see new opportunities within the optical industry. Talk with you next time!
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