Jacque Katsieris and Lisa Cappuccio, the duo behind Women with Vision

The optical industry in Australia is building an exciting pipeline of women-led events this year with formats focused on connection and empowerment.

First up is Women With Vision – The Festival, a Melbourne-based event on 15 March, open to practice owners, students, optical reps, dispensers and optometrists. Organisers Jacque Katsieris, director of ProOptics, and Lisa Cappuccio, COO of Eyebenefit, said the event is focused on personal empowerment and in essence is an “anti-conference" designed specifically for women in the optical industry to connect, build community and foster professional growth.

Also in Melbourne, Women in Optics, founded by Optical Distributors and Manufacturers Association CEO Amanda Trotman, is hosting a women-led event at this year’s O-Show on 16 August. This roundtable event is designed to inspire, elevate and empower women across the optical industry, said Trotman. Soon to be revealed, the programme will blend professional development, leadership insights, practical business strategy and genuine connection through discussions on topics raised by women in leadership roles, she said.