Registrations are now open for the Optometry Clinical Conference (OCC) 2026, to be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from 9–10 August 2026.
Presented by Optometry Australia, OCC 2026 will bring together optometrists, researchers, industry leaders and early career professionals for two days of high-impact education, hands-on learning and cross-sector collaboration.
Future-Focused Tone
AI and digital innovation will take centre stage, with Optometry Australia’s CEO, Mark Nevin, delivering a keynote on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in eye health and its implications for clinical decision-making and patient outcomes.
“AI has enormous potential to improve clinical decision-making and patient outcomes in eye health, but its adoption must be safe, ethical and supported by strong clinical oversight,” observed Mr Nevin.
“Healthcare is fundamentally human-centred, and optometrists will play a critical role in interpreting AI outputs within the context of patients’ individual needs.
It’s an event where clinical excellence meets the future of eye care, designed to give delegates skills they can take straight back into practice
“As these technologies become more integrated into practice, it’s essential that clinicians have the skills, training and professional frameworks needed to use AI responsibly and safely,” he added.
Neuroscientist Dr Lila Landowski will return to OCC following strong delegate engagement in 2025, delivering a keynote on how clinicians learn, adapt and perform under pressure in fast-evolving healthcare environments.
Tackling the Biggest Clinical Challenges
Across the two-day program, OCC 2026 will explore key areas shaping contemporary optometry practice, including glaucoma, macular disease, neuro-optometry, contact lenses, therapeutics and occupational eye health.
A highlight will be the Barry H. Collin Medal lecture delivered by Professor Michael Collins, focusing on the latest understanding of myopia progression, its causes, and the evolving approaches to management in clinical practice.
Delegates will also hear from leading experts, including Professor Celia Chen, Emma Conway, Dr Judy Ku, Dr Katie Edwards, Inez Hsing, Dr Andrew Apel, Dr John Hogden and Dr Richard Johnson.
Sessions will focus on translating evidence into practice, with a strong emphasis on real-world application and collaborative care.
Hands On Workshops
A core feature of OCC 2026 is its immersive workshop program, offering delegates practical, skills-based learning across six concurrent streams.
Highlights include:
- Advanced contact lens troubleshooting and fitting strategies,
- Dry eye diagnosis and emerging therapies, including light-based treatments,
- Autism-friendly practice design and accessible eye care delivery,
- Neurobiology of stress and clinician wellbeing strategies,
- Glaucoma and macular disease case-based decision making, and
- Expanding scope of optometry practice, including international models of care.
Expanding Scope
The program also reflects the evolving role of optometry in healthcare, with sessions examining expanded-scope models, collaborative care pathways, and the growing use of advanced diagnostics and therapeutics.
A dedicated focus on neuro-optometry, systemic disease detection and ocular surface biomarkers will highlight the increasing importance of optometrists in early detection and long-term disease management.
Early registrations now open
Mr Nevin said “OCC continues to reflect the profession’s evolution” with quality assured CPD, extensive networking opportunities and one of the largest optometry trade exhibitions of all Optometry Australia events.
“It’s an event where clinical excellence meets the future of eye care, designed to give delegates skills they can take straight back into practice, while also exploring innovative ideas that are shaping what comes next for optometry,” he said.
