O=MEGA23/WCO4 wraps up, leaving attendees inspired and appreciative

Late yesterday, after three days of engaging sessions, valuable networking and opportunities to check out state-of-the-art equipment and innovative diagnostic tools, the highly successful O=MEGA23/WCO4 came to close in Melbourne. Attendees left the event feeling inspired and appreciative for the wealth of knowledge and connections they strengthened.

The partnership between these two respected events resulted in the Southern Hemisphere’s largest optical gathering, attracting well over 3,500 registered optometrists and eye care professionals.

The conference showcased a diverse range of educational opportunities, leaving attendees enthusiastic about the depth and breadth of knowledge on offer. With around 80 sessions, presenting cutting-edge research findings and best practices, the event proved to be an invaluable platform for professional development and networking. The conference’s success was further enhanced by the presence of international delegates, who brought a global perspective to the discussions and fostered the exchange of ideas on a broader scale.

The conference’s collaborative environment facilitated meaningful connections among attendees, promoting the sharing of knowledge and fostering of relationships. For many, this aspect of the event was just as valuable as the educational content itself.

Dr Curtis Ono from the American Optometric Association said, ‘There’s a richness of meeting in person; it enables you to appreciate everything a lot more. There was a great feeling of giddiness around the conference, and a lot of connecting on a personal level; people felt really close.’

As chair of the Beyond The Roadmap To Close The Gap For Vision session, with Mitchell Anjou and Shaun Tatipata, Dr Ono added: ‘The learnings from this session were excellent, offering us insights we can take and replicate globally.’

Andrew Anderson and Laura Downie’s presentation, Computer Vision Syndrome: Do Bluelight Filtering Lenses (and Other Therapies) Help? drew a packed crowd and many subsequent conversations on the topic, as did James Wolffsohn’s plenary Digital Eye Strain session. Husband and wife team Drs Kate and Paul Gifford addressed several Unanswered Questions in Myopia Management while Gui Albieri and Jennifer Hue drew many laughs as they tackled the Role of Culture and Language in Effective Doctor-Patient Interactions. The closing plenary of the event included Susan Cotter offering key insights around the role of ChatGPT in optometry.

Reflecting on the conference, Joanna Przeździecka-Dołyk, optometrist and ophthalmologist, and a researcher and medical consultant from the Wrocław University of Science and Technology (WUST) and Medical University of Wroclaw (MUW) in Poland said, ‘The conference was a truly great experience for me. I’ve learned so much and connected with a great many people. It was also a wonderful opportunity for me to visit and experience Australia for the first time and I hope to come again.’

Dr Cathy Stern, delegate from the USA, who also presented a poster at the event said,  ‘This was an event not to be missed. Excellent education, I learned a lot from the posters, and I now know colleagues from all over the world who share my passion for optometry.’

As the conference came to a close, CEO of Optometry Victoria South Australia Ilsa Hampton reflected, ‘We are delighted with the positive feedback received from attendees. The event’s success serves as a testament to the careful planning and collaboration that went into every element. It was truly wonderful to witness the optometric community reconnecting post-COVID lockdowns and the enthusiasm for a diverse program. The extensive schedule has proved that Australia is ready for a large-scale conference bringing researchers and educators into dialogue with practitioners. Conversations in the Trade Fair were also reflective of the unique nature of what was on offer – up to date equipment and the chance to look, feel, try and discuss all under one roof. The enjoyment in being together was palpable.’