Organisers say this year’s ODMA trade show will be accompanied by the most extensive education program ever undertaken at the annual optical event – and regular mivision contributors head the program.
Keynote speakers, refractive surgeon Dr. Con Moshegov and retinal specialist Dr. Simon Chen both regularly write CPD articles for mivision magazine.
Optical Distributors and Manufacturers Association (ODMA) Chairman Richard Grills says optometrists can complete all their CPD requirements over a day and a half, with more than 40 CPD points on offer.
“For those who are therapeutically qualified there are 31 therapeutic points on offer,” Mr. Grills said.
100 exhibitors have already registered…
For the first time, the trade event will move to Queensland, taking over the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from 5–7 July.
“With a new host state of Queensland, new organisers, and new initiatives, 2013 is all about change which reflects the world we live in today,” Mr. Grills said.
“We have listened very closely to the industry, and our recent blue paper and stakeholder presentations have charted a clear path for
the association’s support of our industry… ODMA 2013 will make a tremendous contribution to this future,” he said.
World Class Presenters
Twelve keynote speakers have been confirmed for ODMA, including Dr. Moshegov; Dr. Jean-Pierre Guillon, a consultant optometrist at the Lions Eye Institute; and author, educator and Kanski collaborator Dr. Brad Bowling (who was profiled in mivision last year).
Dr. Bowling will deliver two lectures, which will be accompanied by interactive electronic quizzes – the first based on a series of ophthalmology case presentations and
another on glaucoma diagnosis.
Master Classes
In addition to the main program, specialised master classes – interactive sessions offered to practitioners and staff – will focus on dispensing and business subjects.
ODMA organisers say dispensers and optometrists “need to balance their professional training with greater focus on becoming better retailers”. The master classes will focus on how to educate the customer, improve on in-store merchandising and supply, the processes to encourage multiple prescription spectacle purchases, treatments, higher-end lenses and premium products.
Ahead of Expectations
Event organiser Gary Fitz-Roy, from Expertise Events, says 100 exhibitors have already registered for the event, which is well ahead of expectations. He said the ODMA board had increased the size of the venue booking by 25 per cent this year, with the exhibition now covering 12,500 square metres. “In 2011 ODMA had 117 exhibitors in total. Six months out from the exhibition we’re already only just short of that number so we’re very happy with the position we’re in,” said Mr. Fitz-Roy.
Speaking of delegate numbers, he said, “it is hard to know (how many people will come) but interest is out there – and the buyers and optometrists have acknowledged that they’ve been listened to – in response to their feedback we’ve moved ODMA out of Sydney, and made other positive changes.”
Mr. Fitz-Roy said the event will maximise networking opportunities. “ODMA is not only about learning, buying and selling, it’s also about networking and socialising,” he said. As well as the traditional gala dinner, to be held on Saturday 6 July, a golf competition will be held on Tuesday 8 July, immediately after the trade event closes.
ODMA’s conference program and further info is available at www.odma-2013.com.au.
