Optometrists, opticians and other practitioners in the optical trade are preparing to step out in large numbers when the largest education and trade event in the industry is launched.
Pre-registrations for O=MEGA19 have reached 1400 twelve weeks before the opening of the biennial event which is bringing together the best of SRC and ODMA Fair, exceeding the registration numbers for conference delegates at SRC 2018.
It’s welcome news for the Optical Distributors & Manufacturers Association (ODMA) and Optometry Victoria who’ve joined forces to create an unrivalled program of clinical lectures and workshops as well as non-clinical masterclasses and a trade fair showcasing more than 100 exhibitors.
“We’re thrilled to see O=MEGA19 being embraced by the optometric community. Reaching 1000 pre-registrations is a fantastic start to this much-anticipated event. We had anticipated that this unique opportunity to come together and learn, network, and work with suppliers would be embraced, but it‘s great to see it come to life,” Pete Haydon, Chief Executive Office, Optometry Victoria said.
O=MEGA19 will take place from 19-21 July 2019 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
In addition to the paid seminars and masterclasses, O=MEGA19 offers short, free seminars within the Bausch & Lomb Knowledge Centre Stage on the show floor. The Knowledge Centre program has just been announced and promises to offer valuable insights from leading educators, according to ODMA chief executive officer, Finola Carey.
Founder of Social Ties, Vivienne Forbes will discuss why independent retail practices should not only continue to use social media but how to market themselves effectively using the medium. Viv will give practical take away advice that can be implemented and tips that can be used immediately by small businesses.
Eyes4Everest Vice President Joe Wang will provide an insight into the tools and technology used to deliver high quality primary eye care in Himalayan communities with no electricity or internet.
In her Knowledge Centre session titled ‘What is your practice really worth?’, Chartered Accountant Kathy Allen will explain some of the methodology used to calculate market value of an optometry practice.
Optical retailers will learn applications and implications of Artificial Intelligence for their businesses in Ludwig Heymbeeck’s Knowledge Centre session titled “Artificial Intelligence and the future of eyewear dispensing”.
The Bausch & Lomb Knowledge Centre Stage will run over three days (Friday 19 July – Sunday 21 July). Refer to the website for the full program.
With a clinical conference tailored to meet the needs of optometrists with renowned clinical speakers from Australia and around the world, and a trade fair showcasing over 100 exhibitors in a dedicated exhibition space, O=MEGA19 has something for everyone in the eyecare and eyewear industry. Bringing optometrists, optical dispensers, ophthalmologists, orthoptists, ophthalmic nurses, practice staff, other retailers (sunglasses), mechanics, technicians and students together, the new event is expected to be the strongest presented in Australia for many years.
Registrations are open for the clinical conference (fees apply) which includes entry to the trade exhibition and delegates can earn up to 48 clinical CPD points. Registration is also available for the free trade fair only.
The series of non-clinical Masterclasses will run at the same time as the event’s clinical conference. Tickets are $55 per session and include entry to the Trade Fair. The full program is now available online at www.omega19.com.au
O=MEGA19 is the largest education, eyecare and eyewear event in Australia, replacing the Southern Regional Congress (SRC) and ODMA Fair.