Registrations are now open for the Optometry Clinical Conference (OCC) 2026 held in Brisbane this August, with a powerhouse program featuring international and Australian clinical experts.
A media release from Optometry Australia (OA) said the event, to be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from 9–10 August 2026, would bring together optometrists, researchers, industry leaders and early career professionals for two days of high-impact education, hands-on learning and cross-sector collaboration.
OA said the OCC had quickly established itself as one of the profession’s most significant national clinical education events.
AI and digital innovation would take centre stage, with OA CEO Mark Nevin delivering a keynote on the role of artificial intelligence in eye health and its implications for clinical decision-making and patient outcomes.
“AI has enormous potential to improve clinical decision-making and patient outcomes in eye health, but its adoption must be safe, ethical and supported by strong clinical oversight,” he said.
“Healthcare is fundamentally human-centred, and optometrists will play a critical role in interpreting AI outputs within the context of patient’s individual needs.
“As these technologies become more integrated into practice, it’s essential that clinicians have the skills, training and professional frameworks needed to use AI responsibly and safely.”
Neuroscientist Dr Lila Landowski would return to OCC following strong delegate engagement in 2025, delivering a keynote on how clinicians learn, adapt and perform under pressure in fast-evolving healthcare environments.
OA said a further highlight would be the Barry H. Collin Medal lecture delivered by Professor Michael Collins, focusing on the latest understanding of myopia progression, its causes and the evolving approaches to management in clinical practice.
Across the two-day program, OCC 2026 would explore key areas shaping contemporary optometry practice, including glaucoma, macular disease, neuro-optometry, contact lenses, therapeutics and occupational eye health.
Delegates will also hear from leading experts including Professor Celia Chen, Emma Conway, Dr Judy Ku,
Dr Katie Edwards, Inez Hsing, Dr Andrew Apel, Dr John Hogden and Dr Richard Johnson.
Sessions will focus on translating evidence into practice, with a strong emphasis on real-world application and collaborative care.
The release said a core feature of OCC 2026 would be its immersive workshop program, offering delegates practical, skills-based learning across six concurrent streams.
Highlights include:
- Advanced contact lens troubleshooting and fitting strategies
- Dry eye diagnosis and emerging therapies, including light-based treatments
- Autism-friendly practice design and accessible eye care delivery
- Neurobiology of stress and clinician wellbeing strategies
- Glaucoma and macular disease case-based decision making
- Expanding scope of optometry practice, including international models of care.
OCC 2026 offers quality-assured CPD, extensive networking opportunities, and one of the largest optometry trade exhibitions among Optometry Australia events.
Early registrations are now open, with strong interest expected following the success of OCC 2025.
