Fashion and science

Vision Expo East will welcome over 16,000 eye care professionals, buyers and influencers when the show returns to the Javits Center in New York on 15–18 March.

Around 100 new exhibitors have been signed up to the event, taking the show’s total to over 700 in areas such as the Fashion Wing and the Science Wing.

Fashion Wing exhibitors include De Rigo, Luxottica and Maui Jim, while exhibitors in the Science Wing include Carl Zeiss, Hoya Vision Care and Satisloh.

Expanded education

The show features an expanded education programme this year with over 300 hours of education sessions. 

The programme is designed to keep practitioners updated on patient care and practice management through the latest information on education, products and trends.

Sessions will cover topics such as how to attract and retain customers, ocular aesthetics, and clinical concepts for dispensing opticians and technicians. 

Speaking about the annual show, vice president of trade shows and meetings at partner organisation the Vision Council, Mitch Barkley, said: “From top-notch clinical training and practice management education taught by the experts to hands-on business and allied health tracks for patient-facing staff, Vision Expo provides the high value education needed to improve patient care and profitability while maximising attendee time away from their practices.”

“This event truly unique as the place where the entire team can get educated and network,” he added.

A new dimension

Vision Expo has appointed a new event director, Joanna Mohr, who will work with the Vision Council to design and deliver the show's programme this year. 

Speaking about Ms Mohr’s appointment, senior vice president of the show’s co-owner, Reed Exhibitions, Melissa Ashley, said: “Her retail background coupled with such a strong understanding of the trade show business will add a new dimension of thinking to the team. Her experience will be invaluable as we continue to look at new ways to invigorate the shows and refresh the fashion elements.”

Ms Mohr has over 25 years of trade show experience, having most recently served as executive vice president of ENK International, organising US events in New York and Las Vegas.

Celebrating independents 

The finalists have been announced for Vision Expo’s first Optimum Retail Award, which celebrates independent practitioners by showcasing their products and storefronts.

Atelier Mira in Brooklyn, New York; Eye Q Stylist Optician in Holetown, Barbados; Spex by Ryan in Regina, Canada; and Todd Rogers Eyewear in Andover, Massachusetts have all been shortlisted, with voting closing today (5 March). 

Finalists will share their stories and vision for their practices at talk in the Galleria Lounge on the Friday of the show, with the winner being announced on Saturday.