NEW YORK—Vision Expo begins its final day amid reports of a packed exhibit hall and record sales. While yesterday’s registration numbers weren’t available at press time, show organizers confirmed that more than 10,000 attendees arrived at the Javits in the opening hours of Vision Expo East. Vision Expo is celebrating the best-of-the-best with awards and events to spotlight the retailers, exhibitors and programs that are driving innovation and excellence in the industry. The Show debuted the new OPTImum Retail Award, a program celebrating independent boutique retailers by showcasing their products, storefronts, visions and most importantly—their stories.

The winning retailer, Todd Rogers Eyewear, was selected by a panel of industry judges including James Spina, 20/20 Magazine Editor in Chief and Senior VP; Christian Roth, Designer and Co-Founder of Christian Roth Eyewear; and Arian Fartash, OD and Instagram social influencer, @glamoptometrist.

For the first time at Vision Expo East, you can vote for the exhibitors who display the most creative booth design as well as the best use of technology. Submit your vote via the Vision Expo mobile app. The winners will be announced today at 4 PM. Attendees also voted for the best new product featured in the Product Gallery as part of the Vision Choice Awards. Announced yesterday, the 2018 winner is Specs of Wood.

As Vision Expo East 2018 closes out, show organizers remind you that your participation in the show helps the industry win. Every person who attends Vision Expo—whether taking education or doing business in the Exhibit Hall—plays an important role in growing and strengthening the optical marketplace.

Proceeds from the show are used by The Vision Council to educate consumers about the importance of vision care and the options in eyewear and other related products, most notably Think About Your Eyes, to help educate Americans about the importance of comprehensive annual eye exams. Additional consumer outreach campaigns—including digital eye strain and UV protection, and the health, fashion, technological and lifestyle aspects of eyewear—are working to raise the tide for the industry at large, and, ultimately, champion better vision for better lives.

To read the digital edition of today's Show Daily, click here.