Vision Expo East 2023 successfully concluded
Vision Expo East 2023 concluded on Sunday, March 19, following four days of new product discovery, education sessions, networking events, and business meetings. Held at New York City’s Javits Center from March 16–19, Vision Expo East was the largest gathering of ophthalmic professionals in the United States in recent years.
Vision Expo East featured 425 exhibiting companies, encompassing some of the biggest names in eyewear and eyecare. Attendees explored the industry’s top brands in seven unique exhibit neighborhoods.
In addition to the exhibit hall, industry professionals attended VisionEd—Vision Expo’s continuing education program—which included over 300 hours of sessions ranging from the latest business strategies and fashion trends to patient education tactics and cutting-edge innovations. Additionally, OptiCon @ Vision Expo returned with an unmatched opticianry education program and exhibit hall experience.
The Career Zone-Student Lounge, a destination for students to connect with optical companies that are actively recruiting and explore career resources, also returned to Vision Expo East on Saturday, March 18.
The Bridge, Vision Expo East’s main stage destination, featured a diverse range of inspiring and educational events including a highly anticipated keynote presentation from Jason Romero, a legally blind ultra-runner, and an exclusive conversation with radio personality and author, Delilah.
Awards.
NOW by Vision Expo, an eyewear trends showcase created by Nico Roseillier, Creative Director at Europa/State Optical/American Optical, returned for a second year and hosted its inaugural NOW Awards, honoring brands that embody the latest trends and innovations in eyewear.
The 2023 NOW Award Winners:
• NOW Best Sunglass Award: Under $250 retail category – Rimmel Eyewear
• NOW Best Sunglass Award: $250 to $500 retail category – Ethnicity Eyewear
• NOW Best Sunglass Award: $500 & above retail category – Le Lab by Pierre
• NOW Best Optical Award: Under $250 retail category – Mita
• NOW Best Optical Award: $250 to $500 retail category – Maison Nathalie Blanc
• NOW Best Optical Award: $500 & above category – Baars x Gogosha
• NOW Optical Achievement Award – James Spina
• NOW Special Design/Brand Activation – Vintage Frames Company
• NOW People’s Choice Award – Strak Eyewear
“The business conducted and ideas shared at Vision Expo East shape the future of this incredible industry,” said Mitch Barkley, Vice President of Trade Shows and Events at The Vision Council and co-organizer of Vision Expo. “We’re grateful to all our partners from across the sector who came together and made this show a success.”
Vision Expo West 2023 will be held in Las Vegas from September 27–30, 2023. The Show’s educational program, together with OptiCon @ Vision Expo, will open Wednesday, September 27, and the Exhibit Hall will open Thursday, September 28. Details on registration will be released in the coming months.
