High demand for dispensing opticians
Demand for dispensing opticians is good because:
- New Zealand's population is ageing, so more people are likely to need glasses or contact lenses
- short-sightedness is increasing as people spend more time looking at computer and mobile phone screens.
Dispensing optician appears on Immigration New Zealand's Green List. This means the Government is actively encouraging skilled dispensing optician from overseas to work in New Zealand.
According to the Census, 933 dispensing opticians worked in New Zealand in 2018.
Demand for dispensing opticians stronger in certain regions
There is strong demand for dispensing opticians in smaller cities and rural areas, particularly in the South Island, as employers find it harder to recruit in these areas. There are more practices in larger cities but there is low staff turnover and more competition for roles.
Your chances of securing a dispensing optician job are best if you check the Association of Dispensing Opticians of New Zealand website for vacancies, and approach employers directly.
Most dispensing opticians work with optometrists
Most dispensing opticians work in partnership with an optometrist. Some work at separate optical dispensing practices or at optical wholesalers and laboratories.
