Stepping into the darkened hall of the biennial O-Show, again held at Central Pier in Melbourne’s Docklands, is like stepping into a cocoon of warm hospitality.

The larger exhibition halls of other conferences and fairs are a far cry from this boutique offering from the Optical Manufacturing Association of Australia (ODMA). There’s no CPD-session pressure to see exhibitors at certain times, allowing for a leisurely flow of visitors throughout the show’s two days.

Exhibitor space at this year’s O-Show sold out quickly to many of the region’s biggest frames and equipment suppliers. The 2018 event also attracted more than 700 visitors; the majority from Victoria, but nearly a quarter from elsewhere in Australia and overseas, including New Zealand.

Matt Wensor, Zeiss Australasia’s strategic marketing manager, said ODMA members didn’t just support the event because they were ODMA members, but because the event works. “The O-Show has a smaller boutique feel about it, which creates a good opportunity to catch up with customers and others within the industry in a relaxed and unhurried environment.”

Eyes Right Optical’s new managing director Mark Wymond, son of founders Gaye and David Wymond, also commented on the show’s relaxed feel, allowing exhibitors to catch up with a lot of people in just a couple of days.

Popular Australian eyewear designer Jono Hennessy Sceats is another fan, saying he’d be happy to attend O-Shows annually in different centres if ODMA decided to run them. “Other exhibitions have become too expensive, too commercial, while the O-Show is more personable. It’s like having a chat with someone at your house; there’s no pressure to spend $50,000 on doing your stand.”

As well as the exhibition, this year’s O-Show included informal presentations from David Inderias from Techprint on his 3D-printed eyewear; Yvette Wadell, the newly appointed CEO of Brien Holden Vision Institute, on the myopia epidemic; and Vivienne Forbes from Social Ties, who provided some social media tips and tricks. Retail stylist, Kerry van Beuge, once again filled out her slots for her low-cost window display tips, while the Saturday evening’s cocktail party appeared to increase visitor numbers several-fold.

O-Show news

There was also a good deal of news on offer with several companies introducing new products to the market. News highlights included:

• OptiMed’s Thermawave – the latest offering in the intense pulsed light (IPL) equipment battle, Thermawave was developed by ophthalmologists in Spain, requiring no filters and no additional cooling systems; simple to use; and targeted to help patients with meibomian gland dysfunction, conjunctivitis, blepharitis and Demodex infection.

• Clic brochure and Manhattan – Clic has launched a detailed brochure for eye professionals to discuss different styles with their patients. The brochure is available online or in hard copy and features Clic’s entire range from its traditional, smaller-lensed Clic reader styles, to its big ‘Manhattan’ with 50ml wide lenses, a large band and flex over the ear.

• Little4eyes – introduced two new children’s brands to the market, Star Wars (inspired by the 40th anniversary of the film franchise) and Tartine et Chocolat. Like the company’s other brands, Catamini and Jacadi, Tartine et Chocolat is a high-end children’s clothing brand, which has introduced a cute eyewear range for kids. Tartine et Chocolat eyewear is available through Little4Eyes in New Zealand and Australia, though Star Wars is currently only available in Australia.

ODMA chair, OptiMed’s Robert Sparkes, said he was delighted with this year’s show. “This pop-up boutique event is what the independent optical industry asked for and is now a confirmed favourite. This is the kind of show that could easily move to Sydney, Brisbane or other locations if there is a demand.”

Next year, the O-Show has a break while its newly revamped big sister takes over, in the form of O=MEGA19. Where the O-Show appears in 2020, however, is still under wraps.