Optometric Staff Program, Saturday, Nov. 8th

Conference check-in can be done at the registration table in the Conference Centre foyer (2nd floor). A buffet breakfast will be available for all registered attendees.

Conference Centre (2nd floor)

Conference Centre (2nd floor)

Dr. Harbir Sian | CCOA reference code: UOW-2025-304 (1hr)

People are buying just about everything online. From groceries, to clothes, to eyecare products, its all available at the tap of a finger. Other industries have adapted to this shift in retail behaviour, but eyecare professionals are lagging behind.In this course, attendees will understand: detailed stats and data about current consumer behaviors online; current and upcoming online retail trends; fundamentals for building an online presence for your business; applications and functionalities that improve your website and search engine optimization (SEO); how to harness social media to increase traction online; and influencer marketing.

Butternut/Holly Room (2nd floor)

Dr. Olivia Ricci & ZEISS | CCOA reference code: UOW-2025-305 (1.5hrs)

This hands-on workshop is designed specifically for optometric assistants and staff to enhance their knowledge and practical skills in ocular imaging. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of key diagnostic technologies including visual field-testing, fundus photography, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) — essential tools in modern eye care. Attendees will learn about the fundamentals of image acquisition and basic interpretation, best practices for patient preparation and positioning, and how to recognize common artifacts and troubleshoot errors.

Butternut/Holly Room (2nd floor)

Dr. Olivia Ricci and Jordan Rossy | CCOA reference code: UOW-2025-306 (1hr)

This lecture, co-presented by an experienced optometrist and clinical staff member, is designed to empower optometric assistants and support staff with the knowledge and confidence to effectively identify, prioritize, and manage ocular emergencies and urgencies in a busy clinic setting. Attendees will learn how to recognize red flags in patient symptoms, differentiate between true emergencies and less urgent cases, and understand the appropriate steps for triage and communication within the care team. Real-world case examples will be used to highlight the critical role support staff play in the early detection and timely management of vision-threatening conditions.

Conference Centre (2nd floor)

Enjoy a buffet lunch while networking with industry representatives at our onsite trade show.

Butternut/Holly Room (2nd floor)

Dr. Laurie Capogna | CCOA reference code: UOW-2025-307 (1hr)

The Mediterranean diet promotes health and longevity through specific food and lifestyle choices. It is extensively studied and shows a benefit to ocular and general health. Learn about daily meal plans, key components of the diet, and strategies to educate and motivate patients to adopt this healthy, sustainable way of eating and living.

Butternut/Holly Room (2nd floor)

Dr. Aysha Hassan | CCOA reference code: UOW-2025-308 (1.5hrs)

This session offers an overview of cataract and laser vision correction, covering candidacy, the patient journey, follow-up care, and urgent post-operative concerns. Emphasis will be on triage, complication recognition, and communication strategies to support effective optometric co-management.