NORWALK, Conn.—Unaudited attendance figures for the recent International Vision Expo & Conference East indicate that the show attracted 23,697 people, the largest number of attendees in history, according to show organizers. This figure includes attendees, media, speakers and exhibitor staff. Attendance increased by more than 6 percent over 2013, breaking the last record set in 2012.

According to Tom Loughran, vice president from Reed Exhibitions, the conference's success points to recognition of Vision Expo as the complete eyecare event by ECPs and industry leaders globally.

"2014 once again proved that eyecare professionals appreciate the wide-ranging and integrated opportunities available only at Vision Expo," explained Loughran. "They see the value of arriving early to take advantage of timely continuing education content and then apply that knowledge through hands-on experiences and demonstrations within the exhibit hall. The energy this year was outstanding and we eagerly anticipate continued growth and success."

Plans are underway for improvements to enhance the visitors' experience for 2015 and beyond. "We met with state optometric associations and representatives from optician organizations and our affiliate partners to better understand their members' education needs," said Loughran. "In doing so, we are better enabled to create enhanced continuing education opportunities that are easy to adopt and not available anywhere else."

International Vision Expo & Conference conducts a detailed, third-party audit of attendance at International Vision Expo East. Verified figures will be available in late April.

For more information including event highlights, images and videos, visit www.VisionExpoEast.com. International Vision Expo & Conference East will return to the Javits Center, featuring a new subway stop and IT improvements, in New York City from Thursday, March 19 through Sunday, March 22, 2015.