Dubbed by the organisers as the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest optical event, registration is now open for O=Mega23, which is being held in tandem with the fourth World Congress of Optometry (WCO4) in Melbourne from 8-10 September 2023.

It will be the largest eyewear and eyecare trade fair in Australia, featuring the latest technology, fashion, lenses, frames, equipment, instruments and accessories, said Optical Distribution & Manufacturers Association of Australia (ODMA) acting CEO Amanda Trotman. “It will also feature an accredited programme, with exceptional learning opportunities from clinical speakers from around the world in a multi-stream format, including keynote lectures, poster and breakout sessions, and a networking programme,” she said, adding more than 2,000 global professionals from across the eyecare spectrum are expected to attend.

Professor James Wolffsohn, head of the School of Optometry and the Department of Audiology at England’s Aston University, will be the O=Mega23/WCO4 keynote speaker. A former clinical research fellow at Melbourne University, Prof Wolffsohn has published more than 290 peer-reviewed papers and presented at numerous international conferences. His main research areas are the development and evaluation of ophthalmic instrumentation, myopia management, contact lenses, intraocular lenses and the tear film.

“James Wolffsohn is a much-loved and internationally recognised speaker, and we are honoured to have him present again in a city he’s so familiar with. At past events our members have described his presentations as thought-provoking and we’re sure his time at O=Mega23/WCO4 will not disappoint,” said Optometry Victoria South Australia (OV/SA) chief executive Ilsa Hampton. “We are putting together an exciting and educational programme to go along with James’ presentation and we will open the call for abstracts on 1 October.”

WCO president Prof Peter Hendicott encouraged those who would like to attend to register early, while he said those who would like to present can apply on the O=Mega23/WCO4 website by 30 November. Poster abstracts will open in the new year and early registration discounts will be offered until 30 April 2023.

Register at www.omega-event.org.