SESSION SCHEDULE
I AM INTERESTED IN CHANGING THE SESSIONS I AM RSVP’D FOR, IS THAT POSSIBLE?
We apologize for any inconvenience, but as of now, we are unable to accommodate changes to your current RSVPd sessions. However, we appreciate your enthusiasm and if there's a session you're interested in attending but didn't RSVP for, we kindly ask for your patience. Just before the session begins, you will be granted entry once all the RSVPd attendees have been seated. Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to having you join us!
TRAVEL ADVISORIES
I HEARD THERE WAS SOME LABOR ACTION IN CANADA. WILL THIS AFFECT THE ANNUAL MEETING?
At this time we understand that there are possible labor disruptions going on in Canada, but how it will impact travel remains to be seen. We are closely monitoring the situation with the hotel, and will share updates here as soon as we get them. Please give yourself time and exercise patience as you travel to your final destination.
COVD is not responsible for additional travel expenses incurred as a result of natural, government, airline, or passport delays/cancellations. No refunds or credits will be given for any portion of missed Annual Meeting events or sessions, and each attendee is responsible for contacting the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel directly to make changes to their reservation.
FIRST TIME ATTENDEES
THIS WILL BE MY FIRST YEAR ATTENDING THE ANNUAL MEETING. IS THERE A GUIDE FOR NEWCOMERS?
YES! First of all, WELCOME! We are excited to meet you and have you join us this year in Toronto! Check out our FIRST TIME ATTENDEES page where we answer many of the more commonly asked questions! For any more specific needs, please feel free to contact our International Office by emailing info@covd.org.
IMAGE VIDEO AND AUDIO RECORDING
WHAT IS THE POLICY ON PHOTOGRAPHY AND RECORDING LIVE SESSIONS?
Image, Video, and Audio Recording - Video and or Audio recording of presentations for individual use is not permitted. Professional digital recordings will be available for purchase by DigiVision Media.
PLEASE ALSO NOTE: Consent to Use of Photographic Images - Registration and attendance at the COVD Annual Meeting establishes an agreement by the registrant to the use and distribution of the registrant or attendees’ image or voice in photographs, videos, electronic reproductions and audio of events and education hosted by COVD and other third parties, including but not limited to the venue, host city and the host CVB.
REGISTRATION
MAY A NON-MEMBER ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING?
YES! We are happy to have non-members join the COVD Family! Please use the non member registration option or join COVD for other amazing benefits! Questions on membership? We are happy to help info@covd.org.
I AM ATTENDING THE ANNUAL MEETING AND WOULD LIKE TO INVITE A GUEST TO ONE OF THE SOCIAL EVENTS. IS THAT POSSIBLE?
YES! Extra tickets for the Awards Luncheon, Installation & Induction Banquet, and EXTRA Lunch with Exhibitors can be purchased in our online store.
I AM REGISTERING MULTIPLE PEOPLE FROM MY OFFICE. CAN WE REGISTER JUST ONCE?
YES! You have the option under the primary registrant to add attendee! Each attendee must know their log in and must be a member. We suggest not using general emails like office@eyeeyeeyes.com for membership accounts.
I AM HAVING TROUBLE SIGNING IN TO GET MY MEMBER DISCOUNT/USING A PROMO CODE FOR REGISTRATION. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Please email info@covd.org for assistance with your log in. If you encounter any discrepancies or difficulties please contact the International Office BEFORE finalizing. IF you finalize your registration incorrectly, and need a refund, you are subject to an administrative fee that will be deducted from your refunded amount.
DOES THE “CE ONLY” PACKAGE INCLUDE PRE-MEETING EDUCATION?
No, the CE only package only includes education during the annual meeting.
HOTEL
DOES THE WESTIN HARBOUR CASTLE OFFER A SPECIAL RATE FOR COVD MEMBERS?
YES! Information about the special COVD Hotel Rate can be found HERE.
I AM A STUDENT LOOKING TO BOOK A HOTEL ROOM. IS THERE A SPECIAL RATE?
YES! This year, our Annual Meeting is being held in Toronto, ON Canada at the lovely Westin Harbour Castle! We have a limited number of rooms available at a special student/resident rate! Stay on-site to experience the best of the meeting and the COVD family. Interested in this first-come serve discount? Students should email Lauren at lauren@covd.org for their special rate process.
This rate can only be used by Optometry students and residents.
To allow as many students and residents to take advantage of this deal, there must be at least two students/residents per room.
Room rate is $176 CAD before tax and fees.
Book your hotel room HERE.
SCHEDULE
WHERE DO I FIND A SCHEDULE OF EVENTS?
Find it HERE, the schedule is updated frequently so check back for updates.
I AM ATTENDING THE ANNUAL MEETING AND WOULD LIKE TO INVITE A GUEST TO ONE OF THE SOCIAL EVENTS. IS THAT POSSIBLE?
YES! Extra tickets for the Awards Luncheon, Installation & Induction Banquet, and EXTRA Lunch with Exhibitors can be purchased in our online store.
TRAVEL
I AM TRAVELING TO TORONTO FROM OUTSIDE OF CANADA, WHAT ARE THE VISITOR VISA REQUIREMENTS?
Read about all of Canada’s travel advice and advisories HERE.
DOES COVD OFFER PASSPORT AND VISA REIMBURSEMENT?
Passport and Visa issues are the complete responsibility of the attendee. Also, COVD does not reimburse for any expenses incurred during the application or renewal process for individual travel documents, or for any travel disruptions as a result of Passport or Visa problems.
IF MY PASSPORT AND/OR VISA IS NOT APPROVED BEFORE THE ANNUAL MEETING, WILL COVD ISSUE A REFUND FOR MY REGISTRATION?
Annual Meeting registration cancellation refund deadlines remain in effect regardless of any situations that may arise during the attendees’ travel.
WHAT ARE THE BEST OPTIONS FOR TRAVELING FROM PEARSON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO HOTEL?
To book your UP Express tickets, visit the UP site and enter the code - COVD23 - for a 25% during your purchase. Purchase your tickets HERE. If you are flying into Toronto Pearson International Airport, we have attached UP Express directions from Terminal One and Terminal Three. You can also read about Business Travel Information.
UP Express also offers special deals for day trips to Niagara Falls.
ARE THERE ANY TRAVEL DEALS AVAILABLE?
Air Canada is the Official Canadian Airline for the 52nd COVD Annual Meeting. Use the promotion code M9M9BTC1.To book a flight with your promotion code, access aircanada.com and enter your promotion code in the Promotion Code Box.
COPE CREDIT
IS IT POSSIBLE TO GET COPE CREDIT FOR ANY COURSES?
COVD submits applicable content to COPE for qualification. We do not guarantee COPE qualification for content and it is up to the attendee to organize and schedule their own COPE needs based on their state licensure requirements. State CE requirements can be found HERE.
HOW WILL I KNOW IF A COURSE IS COPE QUALIFIED?
COVD will update this website regularly. As qualifications come in, COPE Approved classes will appear on the main schedule with the blue COPE logo shown below. CHECK HERE for the most up to date COPE qualification additions.
HOW WILL I GET CREDIT THIS YEAR?
COVD will be resuming CE tracking this year to provide a contactless, seamless experience through a QR code scanning process for attendance. All attendees, regardless of COPE needs will be able to utilize this new system.
EXHIBITORS AND SPONSORS
ARE THERE SPONSORSHIP OPTIONS THIS YEAR?
YES! We have a lot of new and exciting opportunities. Contact Mark Bice at meetings@covd.org for more information.
STUDENTS AND RESIDENTS
WHAT DOES MY REGISTRATION INCLUDE AS A STUDENT/RESIDENT?
To help keep costs affordable, your Annual Meeting Only registration will include the following:
General Education courses from Wednesday night to Saturday morning.
Access to the Exhibit Hall.
One FREE ticket to the STUDENT/RESIDENT/DOCTOR MIXER! If you wish to purchase additional tickets, they can be purchased through the COVD store.
Please Note: Registration for the 2023 Annual Meeting DOES NOT include or guarantee hotel accommodations. All hotel accommodations should be booked separately.
I AM A STUDENT LOOKING TO BOOK A HOTEL ROOM. IS THERE A SPECIAL RATE?
YES! This year, our Annual Meeting is being held in Toronto, ON Canada at the lovely Westin Harbour Castle! We have a limited number of rooms available at a special student/resident rate! Stay on-site to experience the best of the meeting and the COVD family. Interested in this first-come serve discount? Students should email Lauren at lauren@covd.org for their special rate process.
This rate can only be used by Optometry students and residents.
To allow as many students and residents to take advantage of this deal, there must be at least two students/residents per room.
Room rate is $176 CAD before tax and fees.
Book your hotel room HERE.
I RECEIVED THE 2022 EXCELLENCE IN VT AWARD AND/OR TRAVEL GRANT. WHAT NOW?
2022 Excellence in VT Award Recipient - Please contact Lauren at lauren@covd.org to receive you discount code for your 2023 Annual Meeting Only comp registration.
2023 Travel Grant Recipient - Once you arrive onsite, please visit the registration desk to pick up your check. If your plans change and you can no longer attend the 2023 Annual Meeting, please contact Lauren at lauren@covd.org so we may offer your grant to someone on the waiting list.
NOTE-The most current information available is listed here and will be updated as new information becomes available. All information is subject to change without prior notice or announcement. For any questions not addressed here, please contact info@covd.org.
*Updated 4/19/2023*