OOA Fall Events A Big Hit!

Fall 2017 saw two successful professional learning events offered to Ontario Opticians and industry vendors. OOA Professional Learning Ottawa was held on Sunday September 24 at the Hilton Garden Inn Ottawa Airport, and the OOA Specialty Symposium held at the Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel & Convention Centre.

In Ottawa the 150 attendees enjoyed a full day of continuing education and trade show of exhibitors showcasing their products and services. Presentation topics included myopia, specialty contact Lenses, eyeglass lens materials, multi-focal contacts, and vision therapy and the prescribing habits of behavioural optometrists. The College of Opticians of Ontario  also were in attendance to provide an update and Q&A opportunity.

Dr.Jonathan Wareham, Dr. Milan Madhavji, and Randy Kojima share their knowledge with attendees.

On Sunday October 15, the opticians event of fall 2017 was held at the Sheraton Parkway North Toronto Hotel & Suites. The OOA Specialty Symposium hosted over 400 attendees and exhibitors. Attendees enjoyed a full day of professional learning, trade show, and of course, a day of networking and catching up with colleagues.  This year’s lineup included keynote presentations by Randy Kojima on the role opticians can play in the control of myopia, and a presentation by Brian Boddy about digital lens designs and their compensations. Doctor Nav Nijhawan educated attendees about red eyes and its causes and what to do when presented with them. A presentation and demonstration about digital frame printing by Specsy was a big hit with attendees. There were also workshops on specialty contacts and low vision.

Amy Chow of Cardinal Contact Lenses demonstrates Scleral Contact Lens fitting with attendee Carrie Gagnon. OOA president Martin Lebeau with Brian Boddy whose presentation on digital lens designs and calculations was sponsored by Plastic Plus.

All in all it was a great day with onsite feedback and exit survey responses showing attendees excitement and enthusiasm with the day. Thanks to all of our presenters, exhibitors, sponsors, and of course attendees, for contributing to another great event offered by opticians, for opticians.

Mark your calendars for the next professional learning event Inside Optics 2018 on Sunday April 29.