Vision Expo West 2024, the premier event for eyewear and eyecare professionals, concluded triumphantly at The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas from September 18-21, 2024. Organised by RX and The Vision Council, the event attracted over 10,000 industry professionals from 98 countries, showcasing the latest innovations across 103,000 square feet of exhibit space. Attendees were immersed in cutting-edge advancements in lens technology, diagnostic tools, and practice management solutions.
A strong commitment to enhancing patient care was evident in the event’s renowned educational offerings, featuring over 220 hours of accredited sessions. Attendees engaged in networking opportunities at vibrant events and industry gatherings, exploring the future of frame design and functionality from more than 350 exhibiting brands.
“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.”
Show Highlights:
Optical professionals explored groundbreaking innovations and design trends from top industry leaders like Bausch + Lomb, ClearVision, Coburn Technologies, EssilorLuxottica, Hoya, Johnson & Johnson Vision, Kering Eyewear, Marchon, Marcolin, Tura, VSP Global, Zeiss Vision, and 90 new exhibitors. Safilo and Zyloware representatives noted the strong presence of influential buyers, resulting in exceeded sales targets within the first half of the event.
“The discovery at Vision Expo West is unparalleled, there’s a lot of product innovation that gets brought here and it simulates not only what’s out there in the market but what can be there in the future,” explained Ruben Tellez, Global Marketing Director, Carl Zeiss Vision.
New features 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 Friday, Alaysha Johnson, a standout track & field athlete and Team Oakley member at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, noted it was her first time attending an expo of this magnitude and shared her inspiring Olympic journey and the role of Oakley’s performance eyewear in her success.
Eyecare Business presented “Flaunt the Frame: Eyewear Trends” on Thursday and Friday afternoons, showcasing key fashion trends through an eyewear-focused fashion show. The 2024 NOW Awards Winners Exhibit highlighted top products shaping the industry’s future. The new V Bar served as a lively networking hub during the afternoon “Cocktails and Connections.”
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 HR presentations, resume reviews, and a professional headshot booth for personal branding enhancement.
Education
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.
“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.”
Looking Ahead to Expo in 2025
Vision Expo West 2024 will also host a series of inspired community events and gatherings such as the Vision Expo East 2025 will take place in Orlando, Florida, 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 shared, “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!”
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 centralised setting designed to embrace the optical community.”
A new Vision Expo is coming, stay tuned for more announcements.
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