ALEXANDRIA, Va.—Available at Vision Expo West on Saturday, Sept. 21, only, the new Career Zone (Booth #LP4121) will offer an environment designed to connect corporate optical companies and associations with potential hires. “Following its success at Vision Expo East, the Career Zone will provide attendees a comfortable location to explore career and leadership opportunities from a variety of well-respected businesses,” said Joanne Mohr, Vision Expo event director of Reed Exhibitions. “Attendees can take advantage of unique access to discussions focused on career resources and hiring advice that could transform their professional endeavors.”


The Career Zone will host a variety of events including the Corporate Optometry Panel and Brunch from 1 p.m.- 2 p.m. This year’s panel, titled Optometry Career Pathways – Executive, will be moderated by Matt Geller, OD and CEO of CovalentCareers.com, and will provide attendees an inside look into the perspectives of leading professionals in the field. Prior to the panel, a brunch reception sponsored by the American Association of Corporate Optometrists (AACO) will begin at 12 p.m.

Panelists include:

· Ben Chudner, OD and chief medical officer for Acuity Eyecare

· Chris Cordero, OD and director of doctor operations for Visionworks of America

· Weslie Hamada, OD and senior director OD engagement for Luxottica

· Allison Brewer Jones, regional talent specialist for Walmart

· Eric Schmidt, OD and founding partner of Keplr Vision

· Bill Werner Jr., OD and director of professional services for National Vision Inc.

· Maurice Wilson, OD and president-elect for the AACO

“As AACO’s incoming president, I look forward to participating in the panel discussion because of its alignment with the AACO’s mission of providing an inclusive community to unify all optometrists practicing in corporate brands,” said Maurice Wilson, OD and president-elect for the AACO. “I look forward to celebrating corporate optometry as a lifelong career choice at AACO’s brunch reception and the Corporate Optometry Panel.”

Exhibitors in the Career Zone include Acuity Eyecare, AACO, For Eyes by Grand Vision, Keplr Vision, Luxottica, National Vision, Visionworks of America, Vision Source and Walmart. Each exhibitor will take part in live interviews throughout the morning with optical industry young professional influencers: Dr. Nishan Pressley of @eyesonnish, Arra Apikian of @optomfit and Vady Khalil of @thephotometrist.

“The Career Zone at Vision Expo West is the place to be for all students, new graduates and young professionals,” said Nishan Pressley, OD and social media influencer of @eyesonnish. “The environment is full of knowledge, opportunity and encouragement that can elevate attendees to the next step in their careers. Anyone looking for a job or wanting to network with company executives, don’t miss your chance.”

Additionally, the new Passport Program will offer students and young professionals the opportunity to meet exhibitors in the Career Zone throughout the day. Passports will be included with each badge and can be stamped for a chance to win $500.

To register for Vision Expo West 2019, visit west.visionexpo.com.