O=MEGA21 promises to reignite excitement within the optometric industry when the doors open to the Trade Fair and associated clinical conference on 2 September at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre.
With over 90% of exhibition spaces booked within 24 hours of being released, Event Manager Amanda Trotman said, “There is obviously a very strong desire to enjoy all the benefits of a major live industry event”.
ODMA CEO Finola Carey said the enthusiastic response by exhibitors demonstrated the confidence in finally being able to conduct face to face business. “Knowing we are offering this experience in the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre, a state-of-the-art venue with a VenueSafe Plan in place is a great reassurance for all participants,” she said, explaining that MCEC’s VenueSafe plan is an approved COVIDSafe Events Plan under the Victorian Government’s Public Events Framework.
Understandably, after the challenges of 2020, Ms Trotman said the organisers were “thrilled with the positive response… We all know the magic that can happen when an industry comes together to focus on new and exciting trends, clinical discoveries and newly released products and initiatives together under the one roof”.
John Van Staveren of Van Staveren Eyewear agrees. “We are really looking forward to O=MEGA21 as a company. After an extraordinary year of COVID, we have had to restructure our sales team and are excited to have the opportunity to work together and promote our fantastic brands once again.”
Kimberly Rainsford of Optos Australia said “Optos is excited to be a part of O=MEGA21 again in 2021, not only because it is the biggest optometry event of the year, but also because this event is a great way to engage with optometrists and industry professionals. Plus, we get to showcase our exclusive, innovative and unique products and meet likeminded individuals.”
Alongside Van Staveren Eyewear and Optos, delegates to O=MEGA21 will be able to see the latest offerings from past exhibitors including De Rigo, Safilo, Optiqueline, Rodenstock, Zeiss, Hoya, Essilor, Lumenis, Transitions, Frames etc, Optimed, BOC, Device Technologies, Good Optical, Aarons Eyewear, and Designs For Vision. New exhibitors include Kami Life, Face Optics and Eyes Above.
The tradeshow is being supported by new Diamond sponsor Eyetelligence and returning Diamond sponsors VTi Vision and Contact Lens Centre Australia.
Local Clinical Content
The clinical conference, developed by Optometry Victoria South Australia to run alongside the Trade Fair, will present a raft of Australian based experts who will cover clinical themes including therapeutics, paediatrics, anterior eye and neuro-optometry, glaucoma, myopia and contact lenses.
Confirmed presenters include optometrists Associate Professor Ann Webber (Queensland University of Technology), Rod Baker and Tim Fricke who will deliver paediatrics content.
David Foresto, Professor Allison McKendrick (University of Melbourne), Dr Alex Gentle (Deakin) and Associate Professor Daryl Guest (University of Melbourne), will also speak alongside vitreoretinal surgeon Dr Rosie Dawkins and cataract and refractive surgeon Dr Anton Van Heerden, both from The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital.
The strong program has been devised to meet all the new guidelines and maximise attendees’ time. Conference attendees will have the opportunity to earn up to 22.5 clinical CPD hours (with assessment), up to 10 therapeutic hours (with assessment), and up to five interactive hours (with assessment).
