In response to the evolving preferences of members post-COVID, Optometry Australia (OA) and its state divisions will offer a diverse range of in-person, live streamed and hybrid conferences in 2025 that delve deeper into key clinical areas.
The organisation said this innovative program of events will ensure all members, no matter where they are, have access to high-quality education. The program comprises:
• Optometry Clinical Conference, Melbourne (in-person): This major conference is a must-attend event featuring international speakers, practical workshops, and an extensive tradeshow. The conference will rotate among major cities each year to foster a collaborative community.
• The Interactive Series (in-person): A series of five boutique conferences held in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Tasmania, Cairns and Adelaide — vibrant holiday destinations offering a dynamic mix of interactive learning and valuable networking opportunities. Each conference will be held across two days. Members can gain all their interactive hours at one event.
• WAVE (in-person and virtual): Western Australia’s renowned two-day educational experience offering panel discussions, all of the therapeutic interactive content a member requires, and a range of first-class speakers in addition to the highly successful Saturday sunset sundowner and ongoing access to educational content on demand.
• Canberra Conference (in-person): Focussing on myopia management in 2025, this one-day immersive learning experience will equip members with expertise and skills to grow their practice.
• Tasmania’s Lifestyle Congress (in-person): A distinct experience within the Interactive Series, this two-day, intimate destination offers a unique blend of local knowledge, interactive discussions, and plenty of opportunities for engaging networking in a relaxed environment.
• Super Sunday (in-person): The highlight of the optometry calendar in NSW, this acclaimed one-day conference delivers thought-provoking and clinically relevant education from a stellar line-up of engaging Australian and international presenters. This year, the conference will be held at the International Convention Centre alongside ODMA Fair.
• Ski Conference (in-person): Held in Thredbo, join like-minded optometrists for quality CPD as well as plenty of time out on the ski runs.
• Optometry Virtually Connected (online): For members who prefer flexibility, this free virtual event is offered across two separate one-day sessions allowing participants to choose presentations that interest them most, with recordings available for later access, ensuring that everyone can stay informed regardless of their ability to attend in person.
• A free monthly webinar series in addition to State Division provided content.
• A series of free online interactive discussion workshops.
• A series of free in-person regional CPD events throughout the year.
• A wealth of independent online CPD accessible 24/7 on the Optometry Australia Institute of Excellence.
Learn, Engage and Collaborate
Optometry Australia said that by “continuously gathering feedback and analysing learning goals” the organisation has been able to enhance essential topics, such as glaucoma, and has introduced new topics such as artificial intelligence in optometry.
And in addition to education, CEO Skye Cappuccio said the 2025 conference and CPD calendar will offer “unparalleled opportunities for networking with thought leaders and industry experts. Experts will be present at conferences to facilitate discussions during interactive sessions to encourage knowledge sharing and collaboration.”
