LAS VEGAS, Nev.—Vision Expo West 2024, a four-day conference and exhibition held here at The Venetian Expo for eyewear and eyecare professionals, wrapped up its event on September 21, after drawing what organizers The Vision Council and RX estimate to be more than 10,000 industry professionals from 98 countries. Opening this year on September 18, Vision Expo West 2024 showcased the latest innovations across 103,000 square feet of exhibit space, and immersed attendees in cutting-edge advancements in lens technology, diagnostic tools and practice management solutions throughout the Show.
“Vision Expo is the only show with a clear vision—for our future, our success and our shared dedication to empowering people with the knowledge they need to choose the right eyewear and eyecare for a better life,” said Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council. “As co-owners of Vision Expo, The Vision Council is deeply committed to elevating the industry, and we’re thrilled to see such a great turnout for Vision Expo West 2024. By attending or exhibiting, you’ve made a direct investment in the future of the entire industry.”
“As we wrap up another successful Vision Expo West, we are proud of the innovation and collaboration that defines this year's event,” said Beth Casson, group vice president at RX. “The eyewear and eyecare industries continue to evolve, bringing new technologies and trends that enhance patient care and drive business growth. This Expo has been a pivotal moment for the optical community as we continue to cultivate deep conversations regarding the exciting future of Vision Expo.”
If you are just back from Vegas or were unable to attend Vision Expo West, the onsite Show Dailies are a great way to catch up on everything Expo. The full digital editions of the Show Dailies from September 19, 20 and 21 can be accessed here.
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Click the image above to download a PDF of Latest News and Show Shots from Vision Expo West Day 1.
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| Click the image above to download a PDF of Latest News and Show Shots from Vision Expo West Day 2.
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| Click the image above to download a PDF of Latest News and Show Shots from Vision Expo West Day 3.
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New features at the Show included the Tech & Innovation neighborhood, highlighting the latest technologies, and the soft launch of Sun & Sport, featuring performance eyewear brands and an active pickleball court for demonstrations and live play. The Innovation Stage returned with daily panels, including the new “Visionaries Unveiled” series covering social media impact, hearing care in optical spaces and integrating aesthetics into practice.
On the education front, Vision Expo West 2024's extensive education program, VisionEd, offered 320 hours of new continuing education across 23 specialty tracks led by world-renowned experts. The program, including OptiCon @ Vision Expo presented by the United Opticians Association (UOA), reinforced the event's reputation as the most comprehensive for innovation and professional development in the ophthalmic industry, show organizers said.
The Career Resource Center connected students, recent graduates, and professionals with leading eyecare companies. Sponsored by MyEyeDr., Vision Source, Walmart, Lumina Vision Partners, Drishti Kidz and Family Eyecare, and The Vision Council Foundation, it offered human resources presentations, resume reviews and a professional headshot booth for personal branding enhancement.
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The 2024 ‘Class’ of Most Influential Women in Optical gathered at the luncheon event.
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“Vision Expo West remains the leading event for eyecare professionals,” said Mitch Barkley, vice president of trade shows at The Vision Council. “This year we had the opportunity to connect with members, ignite discussions about the future of eyecare and forge lasting relationships across the industry. It’s always an honor to bring the community together at this annual event.”
Attendees Weigh In
Attendees offered a variety of reasons for attending Vision Expo West this year, including the outstanding networking opportunities, educational sessions, new ideas for their practices, and a chance to see the latest in eyewear and technological innovations from more than 350 exhibiting brands, according to show organizers:
“While at Vision Expo, we have been getting to see all the frame lines and equipment and the speakers were great,” said Kristy Katchmazenski, optician at Crystal Vision Center, College Station, Texas.
“Coming to Vision Expo has been amazing for the trajectory of my career and helping my office be better. I’m going to bring home lots of new ideas, better ideas, and just tweak some of the good ideas that we already have,” said Mary Lou Geiger, optician, VisionWorks, Burlington, Mass. “Everyone should come to Vision Expo. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
“It’s my first time here, so I have been checking out the new frames and learning about contact lenses. It was exciting and it was fun,” added Rachel McFarland, licensed optician, Northwest Eye Clinic Bellingham, Wash.
“While at Vision Expo, I was hoping to contact some vendors and get the latest info on the edge side and hard coating side. It’s great to have everybody in one place, and it’s a good place to network,” added Casey Lawson, managing director, Dillon Optics, Scottsdale, Ariz.
Special Events and Show Highlights
On September 18, Jobson sponsored a special event that focused on the potential impact of artificial intelligence in eyecare. The event, “The Artificial Intelligence Revolution: Practical Applications in Eye Care Today,” explored the way eyecare providers can integrate AI into the management of their practice and how AI is changing the way treatments are being delivered and how patient care is being affected. Scot Morris, OD, chief development officer and CEO at Augmented Medical Intelligence, opened the discussion by reflecting on the impact AI has already had on the industry and how it is quickly moving eyecare in new directions. An expert panel followed and explored how AI is revolutionizing patient care.
On September 19, Scott Shapiro, chairman of The Vision Council board, took to the Innovation Stage to deliver the OptiCon general session keynote address and shared with attendees the history of his family eyewear business, the importance of the independent spirit and community in the optical industry, and the value that opticians bring to practices. The keynote was presented by the United Opticians Association.
On September 20, Vision Monday hosted its annual “Most Influential Women in Optical” luncheon where it honored 40 accomplished women from all walks of optical life—retailing, wholesaling, product design, manufacturing, distribution and vision care. The special program, marking the 22nd year of VM’s Most Influential Women in Optical annual issue and special report that has recognized the accomplishments of more than 800 women in optical over the years, recognized the accomplishments of 2024’s MIW honorees whose achievements span an exclusive and unique group of Rising Stars, Innovators, Mentors, Executive Suite execs and those who go Above and Beyond. In addition to the award presentations, 2024 Paris Olympian and Team USA track and field star Alaysha Johnson shared her motivational story and Olympic journey.
Expo attendees were also invited to discover the 2024 NOW Awards Winners Exhibit, a special showcase featuring the innovations and standout products honored during Vision Expo East. The NOW Pavilion showcased these products that are helping to shape the future of the optical industry.
Looking Toward Orlando
Vision Expo East 2025 will take place in Orlando, Fla., at the Orange County Convention Center from February 19-22, 2025, marking a significant shift from its long-standing New York City location.
Exhibiting company ClearVision said, “Connecting with our industry friends in Las Vegas truly made this year's event one to remember. The energy, excitement and passion for eyewear were felt all around, and we can't wait to carry that momentum forward to Vision Expo East in Orlando.”
RX’s Casson added, “This move aligns with the industry's evolving needs and reflects feedback from The Vision Council board of directors and the Vision Expo show planning committee. The new location and reimagined experience will enhance exhibitor-attendee engagement in a centralized setting designed to embrace the optical community.”
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(L to R) The speakers for the Artificial Intelligence Revolution presented by Jobson included Easy Anyama, FluoreSCENE Media and ODX Health; Sunny Virmani, Google; Dena Weitzman, OD, Digital Diagnostics; Masoud Nafey, OD, MENT and Bl:nk Elite Event Management System; Scot Morris, OD, Augmented Medical Intelligence; Howard Purcell, OD, New England College of Optometry; and Rehan Ahmed, MD, Greater Houston Eye Consultants and Blink by Globe Biomedical.
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| Scot Morris, OD, director of development and CEO of Augmented Medical Intelligence, a medical knowledge platform transforming medicine, chaired the presentation.
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| Howard Purcell, OD, FAAO, president and CEO of the New England College of Optometry, examined how AI will impact patient care in the future in his presentation titled, The Evolution of Sales, Marketing and Education.
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(L to R) Prevent Blindness board of directors chair Jim McGrann, Advancing Eyecare; Swing Fore Sight committee chair Joe Savarese, Jobson Interactive; Jeff Todd, Prevent Blindness, attended the 16th Annual Prevent Blindness Swing Fore Sight golf outing at Vision Expo West. Savarese was honored with the Prevent Blindness Distinguished Service Award for his years of volunteer service and dedication to Prevent Blindness.
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| (L to R) The foursome from AEG Vision participated in the Prevent Blindness Swing Fore Sight golf outing, including Prevent Blindness board of directors member Alan Gunner and Aaron Hammer from AEG Vision; Jamie Shyer, Zyloware; and Prevent Blindness board of directors member Matthew MacDonald, EyeMed.
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| Jason Lake, OD, general manager of Opti-Port, addressed attendees on Wednesday, September 18, at the alliance's annual SPARK Conference at Vision Expo West in Las Vegas.
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(L to R) The Marketing4ECPs’ speakers for the marketing and social media bootcamps included Kate Virizi, Tyler Kemp, Lila Swiatylo, Alex Paisley, Michelle Alexander and Trudi Charest.
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| Jobson's Anne Cooper (c) joined EssilorLuxottica’s Sherianne James (l) and Fabrizio Uguzzoni at the company’s booth to preview some of the new frames and lens technology at Vision Expo.
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| Carl Zeiss Meditec’s Wayne Caulder (l) and Cindy Metrose showed attendees the latest in diagnostic solutions.
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Michelle Skinner, VSP Vision, was among the guest speakers at the OWA Connections Series titled Gentle Influence: Leadership the Heart of Change.
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| (L to R) In The Suites, Zac Bidwell, Etnia Barcelona, showcased the latest frame styles with Joshua Olson, OD, and Jacinta Olson, OD, from Colorado Eye Center.
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| Eyes of Faith founders Amy and Jim Schneider celebrated their 15th anniversary of exhibiting at Vision Expo West.
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Maryam Rezazadeh, Walmart Vision Center, tours 20/20 magazine’s life-sized timeline that showcases the publication’s journey over the past five decades.
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| Neurolens celebrated a successful show with a Happy Hour on Thursday, September 19, for clients and attendees. (L to R) Helping to toast the event were Ryan Cronin and Daniel Frazier, Neurolens; Desiree Sykes, Industry 411; Brittni Vilandrew, Eyecare Republic; Kristen Black, Ryan Robbins, Jessica Elmore and Ashley Cozine, Neurolens. Back row: John Byford and Kristina Smith, Neurolens.
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| Scott Shapiro, chairman of The Vision Council board, took to the Innovation Stage to deliver the OptiCon general session keynote address. Shapiro spoke about the history of his family eyewear business, the value that opticians bring to eyecare practices and the importance of the independent spirit and community in the optical industry.
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It was all about the eyewear for Phernell Walker, Pure Optics, and his two Vegas friends at the step-and-repeat venue.
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| Jobson’s Anne Cooper (r) and Eyemart Express CEO Mike Nuzzo sat down for a one-on-one conversation about the concept of community in retail today and explored how genuine connections support local communities and drive business expansion.
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| The Professional Eye Care Associates of America (PECAA) held its annual member appreciation event at the Canonita Restaurant inside the Venetian Resort. |
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First-time Olympian Alaysha Johnson was a guest speaker at the Most Influential Women in Optical luncheon. The track and field star shared her inspiring Olympic journey with the audience.
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| EssilorLuxottica’s Sherianne James introduced Team Oakley athlete and Olympian Alaysha Johnson to the MIW luncheon attendees. EssilorLuxottica was a Visionary Sponsor of the event.
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| VSP Vision’s Erika Plank, talked about the importance of community and camaraderie among women in the optical industry. VSP Vision was a Visionary Sponsor of the event.
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Eschenbach’s Ken Bradley demonstrated the Optaro smartphone video magnifier at the company’s booth.
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| Alcon’s Kristen Brotherson, U.S. Vision Care (l) and Carla Mack, OD, addressed attendees at Alcon’s event which focused on the newest contact lens innovations and ECP partnerships.
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| (L to R) Actress Julie Bowen was the special guest at The Patient's Language of Dry Eye: You Think You Know… But Do You? panel held at the Stratosphere. The panel, sponsored by Bausch + Lomb, featured Bowen along with Dr. Marc Bloomenstein, Dr. Selina McGee and Bausch + Lomb’s Yehia Hashah.
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(L to R) Oakley’s Declan Lonergan chats with Alaysha Johnson, Team Oakley athlete and Paris 2024 Team USA Olympian, and Oakley’s Jason Schwarz. Johnson revealed how Oakley’s cutting-edge eyewear supported her on the path to success.
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| (L to R) National Vision’s Megan Molony catches up with fellow OWA members, Hilco's Sharon Burkart, OWA president Lorie Lippiatt, OD, and Hilco's Joanna Mack.
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| (L to R) Helix's Alison Mounce, Micaela Burns and Jill Steen enjoy the opportunity to connect with peers at the OWA Bids and Bevs networking reception.
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Up in The Suites, Bellinger House’s Cecilio Nunez Jr., (l) presents the latest styles to Stephanie Price, OD. |
| In the Sun & Sport Neighborhood, Lumi Lumi Vision’s Dianna Zheng shows trendy new looks in sportswear to Chris Klein.
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