INSIGHTS Onward, Upward and Westward I Go By Stephanie Sengwe Monday, August 29, 2016 12:00 AM I started working for Vision Monday three weeks before Vision Expo East. Prior to this job, I came into contact with the optical industry only when I tagged along with my glasses-wearing mother for her check-ups or when I went on my annual hunt for sunglasses at the beginning of the summer. I never gave any thought to all the work that goes into making frames, nor could I spell the word ophthalmologist without forgetting that first “h.” I am happy to report, that changed quickly. My first Expo collided with the 30-year anniversary of the event and my first assignment was to look through back issues of VM in search of pictures from past Expos. After perusing through archives that dated all the way back to the 1980s, I walked away with a better comprehension of the event, however, I also became aware of my ignorance of all things optical. My next task helped me out in ways that I only realized in hindsight. I was assigned to cover the “Today at Expo” section for our upcoming Dailies and that allowed me to know what was going on at the Javits Center during all three days, and also put me in contact with key reps of companies, who later helped me pin down executives when I needed photos during the day or at nighttime parties. As I am in my fifth month on the job and preparing for Vision Expo West, I go with more excitement than nerves this time around. After contributing to several beats and covering some special features, I have a better understanding of Vision Monday, and I am now more familiar with the companies that make up this always changing optical industry. With the experience of Expo East under my belt, I look forward to seeing all the products I wrote about, the new collections, reconvening with people I met at Expo East and finally, meeting face to face, those people I have only “met” over email. ssengwe@jobson.com