Optometrists, dispensers, other eye care practitioners, and practice staff are preparing to step out in large numbers when the biggest ever education and trade event in the optical industry opens this July.
Pre-registrations for O=MEGA19 reached 1,400 twelve weeks before the opening of this new biennial event, which combines the best of Southern Regional Congress (SRC) and ODMA Fair. Over 800 of the registrations received were for the conference alone, exceeding the entire registrations for delegates at SRC 2018.
O=MEGA19 has something for everyone in the eye care and eyewear industry
It’s welcome news for the Optical Distributors & Manufacturers Association (ODMA) and Optometry Victoria (O Vic) 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 1,400 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,” said Pete Haydon, Chief Executive Officer, Optometry Victoria.
O=MEGA19 will take place from 19–21 July 2019 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
BAUSCH + LOMB KNOWLEDGE CENTRE
In addition to the paid seminars and masterclasses, O=MEGA19 offers short, free seminars at the Bausch + Lomb Knowledge Centre Stage on the show floor. The Knowledge Centre program was being finalised at the time of going to print, but according to ODMA Chief Executive Officer, Finola Carey, it promises to offer valuable insights from business and industry leaders. The presentations will include:
- The application and implications of artificial intelligence for businesses at Ludwig Heymbeeck’s session titled, Artificial intelligence and the future of eyewear dispensing.
- How independent retail practices can maximise social media to market themselves effectively using the medium. Founder of Social Ties, Vivienne Forbes 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 a setting few Australian practitioners could even imagine – The Himalayas, with no electricity or internet.
- In a session titled What is your practice really worth?, chartered accountant Kathy Allen will debunk some of the myths about the true market value of an optometry practice.
The Bausch + Lomb Knowledge Centre Stage program will run over three days, from Friday 19 July to Sunday 21 July.
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
With a clinical conference tailored to meet the needs of optometrists featuring 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 ever presented in Australia.
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. Eye care professionals and trade visitors can register free for the trade fair only.
A series of non-clinical Masterclasses will run over the three days that the show is open. 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
On page 80 of this issue of mivision, we’ve featured many of the equipment suppliers exhibiting at O=Mega19. An overview of key frame and lens suppliers exhibiting will be published in the July issue of mivision.
