FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The Venue
Where is the conference taking place?
The 2025 BCDO Annual Conference will be held in our brand new venue - the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver! Check out our travel and accommodation page for more information.
How do I get to the conference?
You can drive, take public transit and even cycle! Check out our travel and accommodation page for more information.
Where can I park?
There is on-site parking at JW Marriott Parq Vancouver:
Daily: $50.00
Valet: $55.00
Electric car charging stations are available.
Is the conference venue accessible?
For more information about the physical features of accessible rooms, common areas or special services relating to a specific disability please call +1 604-676-0888.
Where can I breastfeed/change my baby?
We have booked a nursing room at the hotel for use throughout the conference. The keys to the nursing room will be available at the registration desk during working hours on a check-in and check-out basis. Please visit the registration desk to use the nursing room.
Can I book a meeting room?
No, meeting rooms are only bookable if you are an industry partner. Please contact us at conference@optometrists.bc.ca for more information.
The Schedule
Do I need to register for CE sessions and workshops?
Yes! All CE sessions and workshops will need to be pre-registered. Please use the registration website or Conference App to select your courses.
Why can't I attend a session?
If there is a session that is currently full and you would like to attend, please email us at conference@optometrists.bc.ca with the following details:
- Your name
- OE tracker number
- The course you would like to be added to the waitlist for
Please note that being on the waitlist does not guarantee a spot in the session.
What food is available during the conference?
Make sure you book yourself into one of our popular breakfast and lunch sessions!
If you are unable to register for a breakfast or lunch session, there will be buffet style breakfasts and lunches in the foyer area.
Lunch on Saturday, May 3 will be served before OPTOFAIR.
How do I see the schedule for the day?
The best way to view the schedule for the day is to download our Conference App.
Alternatively, you can come back to this website or visit our on-site signage.
Registration
What are registration desk hours?
Thursday, May 1: 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Friday, May 2: 6am - 5pm
Saturday, May 3: 6am - 6pm
Sunday, May 4: 7:30 am - 5pm
The registration desks will be in the hotel foyer.
How do I pick up my badge?
You can pick up your name badge during our registration desk hours.
Please see registration hours on the left or on our Know Before You Go page.
What is the Event Code on the Attendee App?
Our Event Code is: bcdo2025
What happens if I lose my badge?
Please visit us at our registration desk and we will be able to re-print a new badge for you.
Can I get a refund?
Cancellations received on or before March 28, 2025 will qualify for a full refund of the registration Fees.
Cancellations submitted after March 28, 2025, are not eligible for any refund. Refunds will be processed within a reasonable time from receipt of the cancellation request. Refund eligibility is based on the date the written cancellation is received, not the date the cancellation is sent.
Is there a discount for students?
Optometry students can attend all CE sessions free of charge. Please visit our registration page and select "student" - the discount should be automatically applied.
CE and CE Funding
How will I get my CE Certificate?
CE Certificates will be emailed or made available on the conference app after the conference.
I am a BC Optometrist. How do I get reimbursement for my conference fees?
For 2025, BC Optometrists who attend the conference will be reimbursed for their registration fees, up to $650.00, through the CE Fund. BCDO will reimburse BC Optometrists their conference fees paid, up to $650, and will automatically process cheque payments after the conference based on conference registration data. Cheques can be picked up for all registrations completed by April 1, 2025.
Attendees who register after April 1, 2025, will receive their CE Fund cheques by mail 10–15 business days after the conference.
If you have any questions, please contact BC Doctors of Optometry at: info@optometrists.bc.ca
10551 Shellbridge Way #121,
Richmond, BC V6X 2W8