Optometry practice managers have the opportunity to upskill their optical dispensing teams when Southern Regional Congress and ODMA Fair come together under the O=MEGA19 umbrella this July.
Recognising the critical role, an increasingly technical nature, of dispensing, O=MEGA19 organisers have dedicated a Masterclass program specifically for optical dispensers, mechanics and practice staff.
The series of non-clinical Masterclasses at O=MEGA19 will cover a mix of practical dispensing – from basic lens dispensing (pre-Certificate IV) through to advanced dispensing for experienced, qualified practitioners.
Joining forces to form the largest education and trade event in the industry has enabled the creation of an unrivalled program of clinical lectures and workshops
Optical Distributors & Manufacturers Association (ODMA) chief executive officer, Finola Carey said the Masterclass program will be a “must-attend event for optical dispensers and practice staff with practical sessions designed to engage practitioners at all career stages”.
Presented by leading educators from TAFE NSW, the Australasian College of Optical Dispensing (ACOD), and the Academy of Advanced Ophthalmic Optics (AAOO), the Masterclass program runs over three days, from, Friday 19 July to Sunday 21 July.
It will kick off with Progressive lens dispensing – getting the basics right, presented by James Gibbons (ACOD) who will also present Hot tips for the successful optical dispenser on Saturday 20 July.
Australian Dispensing Opticians Association director and TAFE NSW optical dispensing course coordinator Steve Daras will present Essential anatomy and pathology for dispensers, covering the basic anatomy of the eye, common visual disorders, common pathological conditions and information on handling an ocular emergency. Held on day one of the Masterclass program, Mr Daras’ session will target the novice optical practice staff member and is suitable as a refresher for more senior staff members. He will also present Tools for dispensing best practice, on 20 July and Top 10 tips for quality dispensing, on 21 July.
ACOD director and senior trainer Chedy Kallach will deliver the Masterclass Ophthalmic practice management – an overview, on 20 July before presenting Paediatric dispensing on 21 July.
Casual academic at RMIT and ophthalmic training facilitator for Spectrum Optical, Leigh Robinson will present How do I compete with millennial focussed optical outlets? on 19 July, The private world of prism on 20 July, and Advanced lens dispensing on 21 July.
Grant Hannaford, co-founder and director of the AAOO will uncover The true cost of remakes on 19 July and will then present Advanced lens dispensing on 20 July.
Education, Eye Care and Eyewear
O=MEGA19 is the largest education, eye care and eyewear event in Australia, replacing the Southern Regional Congress (SRC) and ODMA Fair. Created by ODMA and Optometry Victoria, it will take place from 19–21 July 2019 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The biennial event’s launch will bring the best of the former congress and fair together, according to Ms Carey.
“Joining forces to form the largest education and trade event in the industry has enabled the creation of an unrivalled program of clinical lectures and workshops for optometrists. 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 eye care 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 AU$55 per session and include entry to the Trade Fair. The full program is now available online at www.omega19.com.au
For more information and to register, visit omega19.com.au
