KEEPING AN EYE ON HR

THE medical sector is often credited with developing cutting-edge technology and innovative business practices, but a Gold Coast ophthalmology practice is proving that HR is another strength.

Ten staff at the Vision Eye Institute are benefitting from a landmark workplace business training program that has resulted in seven employees graduate with a diploma of management while an additional three now hold a certificate IV in business administration.

An initiative by the Institute of Business Excellence, the completion of the program marks the first of its type.

Ophthalmologist Dr Darryl Gregor (pictured, green shirt) says the institute identified staff up-skilling as an essential strategy in improving the organisation’s service offering to clients.

“We’re doctors first and foremost, but as (property developer) Max Christmas once told me, we’re all in the customer service business and its’ important to give our patients the highest level of skills possible,” says Gregor.

“That’s the primary reason why the doctors and support staff have embraced this new professional development program. We invest thousands upon thousands of dollars each year making sure our surgical equipment and amenities are state-of-the-art, so it’s only right that we invest proportionately in the professional development of our staff.”

The Vision Eye Institute has nine doctors and around 60 staff across three Gold Coast locations. Gregor says another intake will start soon.

“The training will benefit staff enormously in their current and future roles within Vision Eye Institute, so we are certainly looking at it as a long-term investment,” he says.

“The feedback from the graduates has been excellent.”