O=MEGA21 organisers are confident of a “strongly compliant” COVID-safe event, as more than 90% of the trade fair space was snapped up within 48 hours of launching the floorplan.
Australia’s largest clinical optometry conference – run by Optometry Victoria South Australia (OV/SA) and the Optical Distributors and Manufacturers Association (ODMA) – will return at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre 2-4 September 2021.
The event, which also has a major trade show component, will be ODMA’s first event since O=MEGA19 after it cancelled the O-Show last year due to COVID-19.
This year’s conference will feature several clinical themes including therapeutics, paediatrics, anterior eye and neuro-optometry, glaucoma, myopia and contact lenses.
Up to 22.5 hours of CPD (with assessment) will be available for delegates based on the new Optometry Board of Australia CPD learning requirements. This will include up to five interactive hours (with assessment) and up to 12 therapeutic hours (with assessment).
Due to travel restrictions, international speakers won’t be attending this year, but confirmed presenters include optometrists Associate Professor Ann Webber (Queensland University of Technology), Mr Rod Baker and Mr Tim Fricke who will deliver paediatrics content.
Mr David Foresto, Professor Allison McKendrick (University of Melbourne), Dr Alex Gentle (Deakin), Associate Professor Daryl Guest (University of Melbourne), will also speak alongside vitreoretinal surgeon Dr Rosie Dawkins and cataract and refractive surgeon Dr Anton Van Heerden, both form The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital.
“The conference will be strongly compliant with the strictest of COVID-safe requirements, to ensure delegates can fully enjoy all that O=MEGA21 has to offer with confidence,” an O=MEGA21 statement said.
“On the back of the great success of O=MEGA19 and the current strong desire to return to face-to-face events, there has been huge and immediate support for O=MEGA21. Over 90% of the trade fair space offered sold within 48 hours of launching the floorplan showing the strong industry desire to come to this event.”
Organisers stated that many past exhibitors are returning, as well as companies that hadn’t exhibited for some years, and new entrants to the sector. New products are also expected to be launched at the event.
Tickets are now available, and an early bird full conference package for Optometry Australia members of $499 will be available until 30 April.
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