Optometry Australia (OA) is counting down to its inaugural Optometry Virtually Connected event this week when optometrists will have the opportunity to earn more than 22 CPD points and connect with 23 national industry suppliers.
Launching on Friday 26 June, the three-day online conference is promising to bring a high-quality education program and product showcase to more than 1,700 delegates. It comes in response to increasing demand for trade shows and clinical conferences after nationwide COVID-19 restrictions led to the cancellation of events since March.
According to OA, the nature of the virtual event will allow optometrists the freedom to participate without having to leave their practice or home.
“Because it is a virtual digital event, you can still see patients in-between participating in our terrific CPD program, spending time meeting with product innovators in the event’s virtual Product Showcase or chatting with fellow delegates in the online chat room or at our online cocktail party,” OA stated.
The event commences at 2pm AEST on Friday 26 June and concludes at 3pm AEST on Sunday 28 June. Registration, which ends on the evening of Monday 22 June, is free for members, while non-members can attend a restricted program for $349.
Optometry Virtually Connected will provide the opportunity for optometrists to earn 22.5 CPD points through live and on-demand webcasts. Four live webcasts will be held and seven on-demand webcasts will be available for viewing.
Additional points can also be earned by attending webcasts conducted by optometry suppliers in the Product Showcase.
OA has also updated the program to include the launch of ‘We Are Here’ on Friday at 5.15pm. It is said to be an inspiring and uplifting song created in collaboration with members and musician Mr Robin Waters (Ella Hooper), as well as Ms Sophie Koh, who is a songwriter, singer, optometrist and part of OA’s Member Support team.
On Saturday at 9am, Mr Simon Hanna, OA professional development and clinical policy manager, will speak with Optometry Board of Australia chair Mr Ian Bluntish about CPD changes that will take place in December this year and how they will impact optometrists.
At the event’s opening virtual Welcome Cocktail Party on Friday at 5pm, attendees can interact with OA national president Mr Darrell Baker and CEO Ms Lyn Brodie, as well as fellow colleagues.
There will also be an OA stand during the following periods to chat live with representatives:
Saturday 27 June
- 9:30-10:45am – Mr Ben Hamlyn, member support.
- 2:00-2:45pm – Ms Sophie Koh, member support.
- 3:00-4:00pm – Mr Darrell Baker, president and Lyn Brodie, CEO.
Sunday 28 June
- 10:00-11:30 – Mr Luke Arundel, chief clinical officer.
Finally, the Product Showcase will feature 23 companies, with Alcon as the event’s platinum sponsor.
“We recommend making an appointment with those companies that you may be interested in learning more about their product developments or health initiatives,” OA stated.
