The Optical Dispensers Australia (ODA) Mini Conference is taking place in Western Australia in September, with a strong line-up of key speakers covering issues such as progressive lens dispensing, contact lenses and ophthalmic lens coatings.

ODA – a new professional body for Australian optical dispensers established with the backing of the International Opticians Association (IOA) earlier this year – is hosting the event on 11 September (9am – 5:30pm AWST) at Fraser Suites, 10 Adelaide Terrace, East Perth.

Optical dispensers, optical assistants and industry colleagues will turn out for a full-day event of discussions, lectures and practical sessions facilitated by industry experts to enhance professional development.

“The ODA Mini Conference has been constructed by dispensers for dispensers to offer you new ways of thinking, expand your dispensing skills and allow you the opportunity to network with like-minded peers,” the organisation stated.

In addition to the speaker line up, attendees can catch up with colleagues over morning tea and lunch, which is included in the ticket price.

The event is open to all, with ODA members offered a 30% discount off the full ticket price. Non-member ticket: $129, ODA member ticket: $90.30.

Attendees will also achieve three ODA CPD Points towards their currency certificate. ODA is distributing the certificates to those that have completed 10 CPD points each calendar year as part of its program, which aims to demonstrate relevancy to future or current employers and up-to-date knowledge in the industry.

All attendees will also have the opportunity to win a complimentary frame courtesy of Luxottica.

The ODA Mini Conference has been sponsored by Rodenstock, the Australasian College of Optical Dispensing, HOYA, Optique Line and Tokai Optical.

Register for the Optical Dispensers Australia (ODA) Mini Conference here.

Nicola Peaper – Rodenstock – Improving lens performance

Don Ezekiel – Creation of Gelflex – A contact lens journey

Jack Layland – HOYA – Dispensing safety glasses

Neilsen De Souza – University of WA – Troubleshooting progressive lenses

Sujan Soo-Jung Hong – Alcon – Practical approach to contact lenses

Mikaela Bartlam – Tokai Optical – Ophthalmic lens coatings

Cameron Bourke – Luxottica – Frame styling

IOA-backed Optical Dispensers Australia launches