Melbourne has won the bid to host 2000 international eye health professionals at the World Congress of Optometry 2021. 

Taking place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre over three days, the event will provide local optometrists with valuable exposure to global knowledge, experience and approaches to practice.

The bid was secured by the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) in partnership with Optometry Victoria South Australia and the Optical Distributors and Manufacturers Association with support from the Victorian State Government and Tourism Australia’s Business Events Bid Fund Program.

The congress is anticipated to generate almost $12 million in economic impact for Victoria.

MCB acting CEO Julia Swanson said the win is a result of Melbourne’s reputation as a knowledge capital and innovation centre.

“Melbourne is recognised as a premium destination in hosting global events in the medical field and the city provides the platform for further research and development while contributing to the economy,” she said.

The World Congress of Optometry 2021 will be hosted alongside a new biennial event, O=MEGA21, which merges two events by the Southern Regional Congress and the Optical Distributors and Manufacturers Association.

After a competitive tender process, Optometry Victoria South Australia CEO Pete Haydon said he is excited Melbourne has been chosen for the event.

“We believe that we have the best destination in Australia for this congress, and we’re looking forward to working with the MCB and other partners in bringing it here,” he said.

“Optometry in Australia is a strong and thriving profession. Partnering O=MEGA21 with the WCO 2021 will be a tremendous opportunity for our members to come together, share ideas, and make international connections.”