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CAO Congress 2027 – Call for Speakers

We're looking for sessions that bring real value to optometrists across Canada, with particular interest in clinical updates and emerging areas of practice — think glaucoma, myopia management, dry eye and ocular surface disease, vision therapy, advanced scope, systemic disease, practice management and leadership.

Have a bold idea that doesn't fit the list? Even better — we want to hear it!

Session Format Reminders:

Applicants may propose sessions in the following formats:
Plenary Session: 50 minutes (topic relevant to all attendees)
General Session: 50-100 minutes (Deep-dive, interactive educational session)
Rapid Fire Talk: Three fast-paced 12–15-minute talks on high-impact topics connected by a shared theme. May be presented by one or multiple speakers.

Please answer the following questions by November 13, 2026. For any questions regarding the submission process or session topics, please contact congress@opto.ca.
1.Speaker Name:
2.Email address:
3.Organization/Company/University:
4.Short Speaker Biography. Please tell us about yourself.
(200 words maximum)
5.LinkedIn or Professional Website:
6.Presentation Title:
7.Presentation Description: Please provide a concise summary of your proposed presentation (300 words maximum).
8.Presentation Learning Objectives: List 2-3 learning outcomes attendees will gain from your session.

For example: Understand emerging trends in [topic]; apply practical strategies for [practice area]; identify best practices in [clinical or leadership context].
9.Presentation Length: Check all that apply.
10.Has this presentation been delivered previously?
11.If you answered yes to the previous question, please provide details on where and when.
12.Does this presentation have COPE approval?

COPE (Council on Optometric Practitioner Education) accredits continuing education activities allowing optometrists to earn Continuing Education (CE) credits. Speakers are encouraged to obtain their own COPE approval prior to submission of the final presentation, and CAO can provide support with the process if required. Sessions without COPE approval will still be considered, but preference may be given to those that are COPE-approved.
13.Speaker Agreement:
I confirm that this submission is my original work, that the information provided is accurate, and that the presentation will not be used primarily to promote a product, service, or commercial interest.
14.Document Upload. Please upload a current version of your CV and all other documentation to support this submission including disclosure of any real or perceived conflicts of interest, including financial relationships, sponsorships, consulting arrangements, or commercial affiliations related to the proposed topic.
Please save documents using the format: Last Name – Document Name.
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