NORWALK, Conn.—Luxottica will return to active participation in International Vision Expo West. The show’s organizers and Luxottica said that the company will sponsor the Visionomics continuing education program at this year’s show and will have a presence on the exhibit floor.

“International Vision Expo West provides us with an outstanding opportunity to reach out to our wholesale partners on so many levels,” said Andrea Dorigo, executive vice president of Luxottica. “This year, we are especially delighted to be the sole sponsor of Visionomics, International Vision Expo West’s premier educational forum. It is the next step in strengthening our commitment to the growth and success of eyecare professionals.”

Visionomics is a business-based educational program featuring 15 courses designed to identify new opportunities and increase efficiencies for eyecare professionals. The courses will be held over a four day period and will encompass 23 hours of training. Each COPE- and ABO-accredited course is focused on developing business principles, with topics ranging from ways to increase profits and new marketing techniques, staff management tactics and staff compensation, a statement from the show said.

Luxottica will also be on the International Vision Expo exhibit hall floor. “I am looking forward to personally meeting and greeting visitors and hearing their thoughts on the many ways we can bring our team closer to their needs and grow together,” said Dorigo.

The company had not participated in the 2009 show, launching its “Working Together Series” around the U.S. last fall.

This year, its Working Together series will continue, the company told VM. “Luxottica’s sponsorship of Visionomics is the next step in strengthening our commitment to the growth and success of eyecare professionals through education,” added Victor Melendez, vice president marketing, Luxottica North America. “This year, the Working Together Series are focused on ABO- and COPE-accredited continuing education courses. These courses will continue throughout 2010 in targeted locations across the country.”

Valerie Scott, vice president for Reed Exhibitions, welcomed Luxottica back to the show. “International Vision Expo is the best West Coast meeting place for the optical industry,” she said. ■ ■