Where to go & How to get there

Congress registration will be located on the Ballroom level of the Halifax Convention Centre (HCC). You can enter from either the Argyle or Grafton street entrance, and look for signs to the Ballroom. The registration desk will be open:

• Wednesday, July 2 | 15:00 - 19:00
• Thursday, July 3 | 07:30 - 17:00
• Friday, July 4 | 07:30 - 17:30
• Saturday, July 5 | 07:30 - 15:00

If you need somewhere to park at the venue, or general directions, consult the HCC website.

What to Bring

• If you require simultaneous interpretation during the event please remember to bring a pair of headphones that can be used on your mobile device. All interpretation this year will be provided by Wordly Live AI translation in the mobile app. 
• Business casual is the common attire worn by delegates. If you are also attending the Closing Dinner, its a casual affair, so be sure to wear comfortable clothes and dancing shoes – jeans are permitted. Tartan or plaid is preferred, but optional!
• You can leave your water bottle at home. Water stations will be available for your convenience, and you’ll receive a fabulous water bottle too!

Download the mobile app!

The Congress mobile app just launched - download it now to get the most up-to-date information on the agenda, room locations, maps, poster abstracts, session presentations, exhibitors, and more. You'll also have opportunities to chat with fellow attendees and enter into the Optofair Challenge for some great prizes!

The app is hosted within SpotMe's Eventspace, which you can find on the in your app store. To access the Congress event, simply enter the email address you registered with, and a direct email will be sent to you with a link to activate (whitelist event-management@spotme.com to make sure it doesn't get caught in your spam filter).

Program Highlights

When was the last time you checked the Congress schedule? We've been making updates and adding information over the past weeks, so if you're curious, you can review the schedule here, plus download the app to access it on the go!

The key highlights are:

• Congress will begin with true East Coast hospitality at the Opening Ceremony on July 2 at 17:00, hosted at the HCC.
  • This is a ticketed event, so you must have indicated you would attend when you registered. If you are unsure, you can view your existing registration here.
• Each day at 8:00 you can start your day with a hot breakfast and education session.
• On Friday, July 4, we'll have over 50 exhibitors at Optofair, where you'll have a chance to win prizes with the Optofair Challenge! This year Optofair will also feature a Scientific Poster Show – you will be able to vote for your favourite poster.
• The popular Alcon Lounge returns this year and will provide a space for you to relax and grab a sweet treat during Optofair.
• Congress will end with the Closing Dinner Party at the famed Pier 21. Doors will open at 17:30, when you'll be invited to peruse the museum installations. Dinner will be served at 18:45. 
  • This is a ticketed event, so you must have indicated you would attend when you registered. If you are unsure, you can view your existing registration here.
  • Tickets for the dinner have sold out. If you have a ticket and can no longer make it, please email us at congress@opto.ca. 
• Various other social events are organized by partners throughout the week. Check out the list here.

Continuing Education Credits

All participants will be scanned upon exit of session rooms as a record of attendance. The Congress schedule details which sessions are eligible for credit and what type of credit. You are required to attend the full length of the course to receive continuing education credit.

If you use the OE Tracker mobile app to record attendance at continuing education courses, this will be made available so you can receive instant course credit. Those unable to use the OE Tracker mobile app MUST have your badge scanned as you leave each lecture room in order for the credit to appear on your certificate.

A certificate of attendance will be emailed to all attendees approximately two weeks after Congress.

Did you submit a special dietary need?

The Halifax Convention Centre (HCC), RCR Hospitality Group, and the Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) are committed to providing accommodations for special dietary needs. While the collective group will do the best to accommodate your requests, guarantees cannot be made for a completely allergen-free environment and we assume no responsibility for any adverse reactions. By participating in the CAO Congress, you acknowledge that you are responsible for managing your own dietary needs and releasing the Halifax Convention Centre, RCR Hospitality Group and the Canadian Association of Optometrists from any liability for any illness or injury related to your dietary choices and restrictions.

Please note that all salads and soups are Vegan/Gluten free for all lunches at the HCC. For those with fish/seafood allergies, note that there will be a station serving those combined items during the Opening Ceremonies and will be separated from the remainder of food service.

Any guest who has a special dietary need that cannot already be accommodated on the meal buffets, can approach any serving staff and a special main course will be served. You will be given a dietary card with your badge, according to the information you submitted in your registration form. If you did not already advise us during registration of any allergies, dietary restrictions, or other requirements, please reach out to inform us asap.