Optometry Australia’s annual virtual conference is part of a comprehensive program that supports optometrists across all career stages through education and connection.
Optometry in Australia is evolving rapidly. Clinical practice is becoming more complex; technology is reshaping how we diagnose and manage disease, and patients increasingly expect seamless, high-quality eye care wherever they access it.
At the same time, optometrists face real challenges and increasing competition for available jobs. Time pressures continue to grow, workforce distribution remains uneven, and maintaining access to high-quality professional development requires flexible, modern approaches that reflect how and where optometrists work.
It is against this backdrop that Optometry Virtually Connected (OVC) returns on 10–11 October 2026 as Optometry Australia’s flagship national virtual CPD event.
Since its launch in 2020, OVC has become a valued part of the profession’s learning landscape. What began as a response during COVID has evolved into a deliberate and accessible approach to professional development. Learning is no longer defined by geography or physical attendance, but by accessibility, relevance, and impact.
Learning is no longer defined by geography or physical attendance, but by accessibility, relevance, and impact.
A National Platform for a Unified Profession
As Optometry Australia continues to strengthen its role as a single national organisation, OVC plays an important part in delivering consistent, high-quality education across the country.
Whether working in metropolitan clinics, regional centres, or remote communities, practitioners can access leading education and participate in national conversations shaping the future of eye care.
That sense of connection matters. It strengthens not only clinical capability, but also professional identity and cohesion at a time when the profession is navigating significant change.
Built By Optometrists, For Optometrists
One of OVC’s greatest strengths is its practical relevance.
The program is developed by practising optometrists, clinical leaders, and researchers who understand the realities of contemporary practice. Sessions are informed by the latest clinical knowledge and designed to support immediate application in the consulting room.
Topics span the breadth of modern optometry, including therapeutics, myopia management, retinal disease, dry eye, anterior eye care, and emerging diagnostic technologies.
Increasingly, discussions also explore artificial intelligence, data-driven clinical support tools, and evolving models of collaborative care.
The goal is not simply to present new information, but to help optometrists translate knowledge into confident, clinical decision making that benefits patients.
Supporting Clinicians Through Change
The pace of change in eye care continues to accelerate. Optometrists are managing increasingly complex presentations, supported by expanding therapeutic scope and sophisticated diagnostic technologies. Keeping pace requires clinicians to stay current with emerging evidence, critically evaluate new technologies, and maintain strong clinical judgement.
OVC supports that process through evidence-based education and practical discussion. It helps optometrists understand what is relevant, what is safe, and what can genuinely improve patient outcomes.
The emphasis remains firmly on clinical reasoning and real-world application.
Ensuring Accessible, Sustainable Education
OVC forms part of Optometry Australia’s broader commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible professional development across all stages of optometry careers.
Alongside flagship conferences, we continue to provide a substantial range of free online CPD throughout the year, included in the annual OA membership.
This blended approach ensures optometrists across all career stages and circumstances can access learning that supports their needs, whether they are seeking deep-dive education or flexible ongoing development.
Building Connection and Capability
Ultimately, OVC is about more than delivering CPD. It is about building confidence, connection, and capability across the profession.
As optometrists’ roles evolve, we will support them to manage greater complexity and embrace new technologies, through relevant, practical education informed by current research and clinical best practice.
The future of optometry will be shaped not only by technology and policy, but by how effectively we continue to learn from one another. OVC remains one of the ways we bring that shared learning to life.
I encourage all optometrists to join us in October and be part of the conversations, insights, and connections that will help shape the future of our profession.
Visit: ovc.optometry.org.au.
Theo Charalambous is the Acting President of Optometry Australia and the OPSM Pakenham Franchise Partner.
