New inSights Research From The Vision Council Reveals More Than One-Third of Eyewear Users Neglect Proper Care

By Staff
Tuesday, April 16, 2024 12:27 AM ALEXANDRIA, Va.—The Vision Council released its latest research report, Focused inSights Eyewear Accessories, providing comprehensive data into American adults' behaviors, preferences and purchasing patterns related to eyewear accessories. The report sheds light on the usage and maintenance habits surrounding various eyewear accessories and underscores the importance of proper care and storage of eyewear products to ensure optimal vision, according to the announcement from The Vision Council. The survey highlights a variety of eyewear accessories, including eyeglasses cases, eyeglass chains/lanyards, microfiber cloths, eyeglasses replacement/sizing nose pads, lens cleaning wipes, lens cleaning solution, contact lens cases, contact lens solution and lubricant eye drops.

The Vision Council Issues a Total Solar Eclipse Guide Titled, ‘Protect Your Eyes, See the Skies’

By Staff
Tuesday, March 26, 2024 12:24 AM ALEXANDRIA, Va.—The Vision Council, a nonprofit association with members spanning the optical industry, represents the U.S. during the creation and maintenance of international optical industry technical standards by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), including ISO 12312-2, the standard that all “filters for the direct observation of the sun” should meet. “Industry standards help protect both manufacturers and consumers; they ensure everyone is aware of the minimum safety requirements necessary to preserve one of humanity’s most critical senses—sight,” said Michael Vitale, VP of membership, government relations and technical standards at The Vision Council. “Check that your eclipse glasses are marked with ISO 12312-2 and keep your eyes safe while viewing this once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

It’s a Wrap as Optical Industry Celebrates Grand Finale of Vision Expo East in NYC

By Staff
Monday, March 25, 2024 12:24 AM NEW YORK—After nearly four decades of showcasing some of the best eyewear products, eyecare technologies and countless hours of continuing education at Vision Expo in New York City, attendees at this year’s Show soaked in every moment and celebrated an Expo East that was held for the final time at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.

Vision Expo East 2024 Concludes Final Show in NYC and Sets Its Sights on a Bright Future in Orlando

By Staff
Tuesday, March 19, 2024 12:27 AM ALEXANDRIA, Va.—Vision Expo East 2024 concluded on Sunday, March 17, following three days of new product discovery, innovative discussions, accredited education sessions, networking events and business meetings. Celebrating nearly 40 years at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City from March 14–17, Vision Expo East convened thousands of eyecare professionals, buyers, students and sellers representing all facets of the optical and vision care industry. Among the highlights were the second annual NOW Awards, standing room-only presentations of breakthrough technologies and trending fashion, in-depth market research revelations, enjoyable musical performances and explosive product launches.

Vision Expo East Concludes Show and Historic Residency in New York City

By Staff
Sunday, March 17, 2024 12:33 AM NEW YORK—As Vision Expo East 2024 wraps up today, the organizers of Vision Expo, The Vision Council and RX, would like to thank all supporters, attendees and exhibitors for their enthusiasm, hard work and commitment that has made the Show so successful this year, and for the last few decades. We thank the Javits Center and the city of New York for its unwavering support and hospitality, empowering us to host and execute one of the world’s best events for the eyecare and eyewear industry.

Vision Expo East 2024 Continues With Engaging Programming and Entertainment

By Staff
Saturday, March 16, 2024 12:33 AM NEW YORK—Welcome back to Vision Expo East 2024, where the excitement continues as we delve deeper into a world of innovation, education and camaraderie. Today, Saturday, March 16, promises to be another extraordinary day packed with special events and enriching educational opportunities, both on and off the Show floor. As we kick off Day 2, explore today’s robust lineup of events and activities. On the Show Floor, the Bridge programming begins at 9:45 a.m. with RestoringVision's session “Doing Good is Good for Business.” Following this, at 10:15 a.m., the National Optometric Association will delve into the crucial topic of Physician Burn Out.

Welcome to Vision Expo East, Where Eyewear Innovation and NYC Style Shine

By Staff
Friday, March 15, 2024 12:33 AM NEW YORK—As the curtains rise on Vision Expo East 2024, the excitement is palpable, and the anticipation is electric. This year's event, co-hosted by The Vision Council and RX, promises to be a celebration of nearly four decades of eyewear and eyecare excellence in the heart of New York City. From March 14 to 17, the iconic Javits Center transforms into a bustling hub of industry activity, spanning an expansive 150,000 square feet of exhibit space.

Majority of Shoppers Continue to Buy Prescription and Nonprescription Optical Products In-Store, Focused inSights Report Reveals

By Staff
Tuesday, March 12, 2024 12:30 AM ALEXANDRIA, Va.—The Vision Council, a trade association dedicated to supporting the optical industry, released Focused inSights 2024: Online vs. In-Person Purchase Patterns, offering a comprehensive examination of consumer shopping habits for eyeglasses, contact lenses, sunglasses and readers. The report detailed both online and in-person buying trends, providing valuable insights for a variety of optical businesses. A summary, along with the full research report, is available in The Vision Council’s Research Download Center as a complimentary download for members of The Vision Council, with a paid option for non-members.

The Vision Council Announces Expanded Membership Structure

By Staff
Monday, March 11, 2024 12:18 AM ALEXANDRIA, Va.—The Vision Council has announced that it is expanding its membership structure. The move, made to reflect the evolving optical industry and further the success of its more than 500 member organizations, will extend The Vision Council’s membership base to include health care, technology, and contact lens companies.

IDOC Celebrates Success at Its Annual National Conference, The Connection 2024

By Staff
Monday, March 4, 2024 12:21 AM TRUMBULL, Conn.—IDOC’s annual national conference, The Connection 2024, drew more than 1,000 attendees to Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in Texas, including IDOC members, sponsor representatives, and other industry professionals from across the country.

ECPs Play a Key Partner Role in Workplace Safety

By Sarah McGoldrick, Contributing Editor
Friday, February 23, 2024 8:30 AM With March just around the corner, eyecare professionals (ECPs) are focusing their attention on Workplace Eye Awareness Month. Each year, thousands of Americans experience some form of workplace eye injury. These types of injuries can be the result of many things, ranging from chemical spills to sharp objects. Many ECPs are also trying to educate their patients about the risks of spending too many hours in front of the computer, which can cause digital eyestrain. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, approximately 25,000 Americans are sent to the emergency room each year with a workplace eye injury.

The Vision Council Convened More Than 300 Optical Industry Leaders in Naples, Florida for 2024 Executive Summit

By Staff
Thursday, January 25, 2024 12:27 AM ALEXANDRIA, Va.—The Vision Council’s 2024 Executive Summit commenced on Monday, January 22 with a beachfront welcome reception hosted by Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council, and continued through Wednesday, January 24. The Executive Summit in Naples, Florida gathered 330 industry professionals on the white sands of the Gulf of Mexico for three action-packed days of networking, leadership development, and critical discussions that will shape the future of the optical industry. The Summit’s programming highlights emerging business trends and offers tangible strategies to tackle the evolving challenges of the eyecare and eyewear industry, as well as the economy at large.

The Vision Council Foundation Launches Silent Auction in Support of Scholarships for Tomorrow's Opticians

By Staff
Wednesday, January 17, 2024 12:21 AM ALEXANDRIA, Va.—Today, The Vision Council Foundation kicked off an exclusive silent auction aimed at supporting The Vision Council Foundation’s Opening Your Eyes Scholarship Fund.

Services to Be Held for Steve Sutherlin, Influential Lab Executive and Optical Industry Mainstay

By Staff
Wednesday, January 3, 2024 12:21 AM OVERLAND PARK, Kan.—Steve Sutherlin, an optical laboratory executive who was instrumental in the success of his family’s business, Sutherlin Optical, and who later played a key role in merging the Optical Laboratories Association (OLA) into The Vision Council, died of a heart attack on December 28, 2023.

Prevent Blindness President and CEO Jeff Todd to Lead 2024 National Health Council Board of Directors

By Staff
Thursday, December 14, 2023 12:24 AM WASHINGTON, D.C.—At its annual membership meeting on Wednesday, the National Health Council (NHC) elected its officers and board of directors members for 2024. Jeff Todd, president and chief executive officer of Prevent Blindness, was named the chair of the NHC board of directors for 2024. Other members of the Executive Committee are: chair elect Schroeder Stribling, president and chief executive officer, Mental Health America; vice chair Michael Osso, president and chief executive officer, Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation; Secretary Sue Peschin, president and chief executive officer, Alliance for Aging Research; treasurer Harold Wimmer, national president and chief executive officer, American Lung Association; and immediate past chair Kenny Mendez, president and chief executive officer, Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America.