NEW YORK—Vision Expo East 2019 is underway, welcoming all attendees and exhibitors to the Javits Center where the entire optical community has gathered to connect with more than 700 exhibitors and 5,000 brands. As the Exhibit Hall opens its doors today, Vision Expo is pleased to report an increase in registration for key categories, including optical buyers, practice managers, optometric technicians and opticianry assistants. Also notable this year, of the 7,000 companies present at this year’s Show, one-third of attendees represent new practices and optical locations.

Vision Expo East’s new destinations, the BRIDGE, Career Zone, BLOCK and NEXT, have stirred up excitement among all attendees. Both BLOCK and NEXT will provide a new and exciting buying experience featuring celebrity and emerging eyewear designers alongside fashion shows and meet-and-greets. Today, view the launch of FUBU’s eyewear line in the BLOCK with the founders, Daymond John, Keith Perrin, J. Alexander Martin and Carl Brown, and hear them kick-off Vision Expo’s inaugural EYE2EYE Series at 1 p.m. in the BRIDGE. Later, award-winning artist Common will hit the BRIDGE stage for an inspiring conversation at 5:00 p.m. with moderator and multimedia personality, Lilliana Vasquez.

OptiCon @ Vision Expo for opticians, contact lens technicians and ophthalmic allied professionals has returned to the Javits Center with its unmatched education courses, engaging speakers, social events and dedicated Show floor destination, the OptiCon Hub. The OptiCon @ Vision Expo General Session and Breakfast took place this morning with 300 attendees registered for the event.

Additionally, Vision Expo looks forward to welcoming an increased number of students as they explore opportunities to network and learn. This next generation of buyers will have the opportunity to connect with the top optical retailers in the industry in the new Career Zone on Level One. The Career Zone offers vast networking opportunities through panel discussions, receptions and the new Passport Program for students and young professionals.

The Show’s staple pavilions including Eyewear + Accessories, Galleria, Underground, Medical, Low Vision and Lenses + Processing continue to offer an unrivaled marketplace to view new products, technologies, fashion-forward eyewear collections and more. For the chance to win a $500 Exhibit Hall shopping spree, make sure to visit the Product Gallery, located outside the Exhibit Hall, to cast your vote for the best new product.