Get ready to mark your calendar for an unmissable event on the Australian ophthalmology calendar

The ASO Skills Expo 2026 will take place on June 6 and 7 at the stunning Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach - a premier venue set to inspire, inform, and connect.

This annual gathering is your chance to engage with industry leaders, participate in lively debates on the most pressing topics, and explore the latest advancements in medical technology and best practices.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, the ASO Skills Expo offers invaluable insights and networking opportunities that will elevate your practice.

Registrations are now open so secure your spot today!

Be sure to check back regularly on this page for updates, speaker announcements, and program details as we get closer to the event.

Don’t miss out on one of the biggest ophthalmology events of 2026. We can’t wait to see you on the Gold Coast!

ANNOUNCING KEYNOTE SPEAKER - PROFESSOR JOEL PEARSON

AI Is The Future - Are You Prepared?

At a time when artificial intelligence is reshaping workplaces and decision-making at unprecedented speed, Australian neuroscientist and psychologist Joel Pearson will share his insight with organisations at the 2026 Skills Expo, urging us not to lose sight of their most powerful asset: the human mind.

Pearson, a professor in the School of Psychology at the University of New South Wales and founder of the university’s Future Minds Lab, has built a career at the intersection of neuroscience, intuition and imagination. A rare hybrid of scientist and storyteller, he began his academic journey studying art and filmmaking, then completed advanced training in psychology and neuroscience, and later pursued a PhD. The result is a distinctive ability to translate complex research into practical insights for leaders, teams and creatives.

Best known for his work on human intuition and its role in an AI-driven world, Pearson has emerged as a leading voice on how organisations can harness creativity, improve decision-making and navigate uncertainty. His presentations combine rigorous science with compelling narrative, taking audiences inside the brain to challenge long-held assumptions about how people think, create and perform under pressure.

Pearson’s influence extends well beyond academia. He has advised and presented to global organisations including Pixar, Google, KPMG, Macquarie Group and Lexus, and previously hosted the ABC Sydney radio program The Brain Box, where he made neuroscience accessible to a broad public audience.

His latest book, The Intuition Toolkit: The New Science of Knowing What Without Knowing Why, has been widely praised for reframing intuition as a measurable, trainable skill rather than a mystical impulse. Pixar co-founder and former Disney Studios president Ed Catmull described the work as “inspiring and deeply original".

Pearson will be speaking at our Leaders' Breakfast on Sunday, 7th June, from 9am.

NEW WET LAB AND LECTURE WORKSHOP!

For the first time, the ASO is expanding its Business Skills Expo to an additional day — hosting an exclusive wet lab and lecture course focused on Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS).

This full-day VAST cataract course is designed for young clinicians seeking a solid foundation in modern cataract surgery. SICS is increasingly recognised as the preferred approach for dense cataracts in resource-limited settings, where its practitioners achieve remarkable surgical efficiency. The technique offers distinct advantages in complex cases — particularly when managing dense nuclear cataracts — and represents a valuable addition to any cataract surgeon's skill set.

What the course covers:

Expert faculty led by Professor Nitin Verma, alongside two international specialists experienced in SICS, will walk participants through the key steps, tips and common pitfalls of the SICS technique. Sessions will cover how to choose and execute the appropriate approach for different clinical scenarios, and how to manage complex cases and complications.

Venue & Sponsor:

To deliver this training, the ASO has partnered with Professor Verma and his team to host the wet lab workshop at Queensland Eye Institute. We are grateful for the generous support of Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision, which has sponsored the international faculty to deliver the workshop and oversee the hands-on surgical training.

Places are strictly limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis to ASO members registered for the 2026 ASO Skills Expo.

Click To Expression of Interest 

Check out last year's Skills Expo 

ABOUT THE VENUE

Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach

A dynamic combination of vibrant surf culture and exclusive indulgence, Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach offers seaside sophistication, Parisian passion, elite Australian flair and a commitment to sustainability. All in sumptuous surroundings where cosmopolitan glamour meets the carefree waterfront lifestyle of Broadbeach.

Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach puts you at the heart of Broadbeach and mere steps from the ocean. Explore the theme parks and scenic sights of the Gold Coast, including Mount Tamborine, Hinterland, Burleigh Heads beach and National Park. Easy access to many of the Gold Coast’s hotspots can be had on the Light Rail, with Broadbeach North station only a short walk from the hotel.

Attendees of the ASO Skills Expo can enjoy 10% off the best available rate and an additional 5% off when becoming an Accor Live Limitless member.

The ASO is delighted to welcome the continued support of its highly regarded

Alliance Partners

EVENT SPONSORS

PLATINUM SPONSOR

LEADERS BREAKFAST FORUM

COFFEE CART SPONSOR

OPTHALMIC INDUSTRY SPONSOR

WATER STATION

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP

Media Partner