Whether this is your first visit to Vision Expo East—or your 10th—the education, exhibit hall and networking offerings for the 2014 conference appeal to a diverse audience of professionals passionate about eyecare and eyewear. Every Spring, over 20,000 seasoned professionals, newcomers, students and exhibitors converge in New York City to see the best of the best in the industry worldwide and this year promises to be no different, according to show organizers.

The exhibit hall expands this year with the Galleria on Main—complete with a DJ, lounge-style seating and other amenities. Galleria on Main is an entirely reimagined eyewear and sunwear buying experience showcasing some of the most fashion-forward collections from luxury designers from 65 brands on Level 3. The exhibit hall opens to attendees on Friday, March 28 from 9:30 am – 6 pm, continues with the same hours on Saturday, March 29 and on Sunday, March 30 from 9:30 am-5 pm.

On the education front, this year’s Conference will showcase more than 300 hours of continuing education (CE); a keynote on health care reform and the optical industry; tech talks about non-traditional vision technology; a larger number of exhibitors; networking receptions and events; and more. The additional offerings, education and networking benefits are the driving forces behind Vision Expo’s continued evolution as the premiere destination and resource for eyecare professionals. Continuing Education sessions officially kicks-off with the new Global Contact Lens Forum, held in association with the British Contact Lens Association, on Wednesday, March 26 at 12:30 pm. The regular program begins on Thursday, March 27 at 1 pm.

 
The landscape for health care is changing. What it means to this industry tops the “to do” list of nearly every Expo attendee. This year’s keynote session will explore the The Paradigm Shift in Healthcare and is presented by Charles Posternack, MD and chief medical officer at Boca Raton Regional Hospital. A leading expert on health care reform, Dr. Posternack examines the optical industry and how reform changes are driving a transition from pay-for-performance to bundled payments. Dr. Posternack’s keynote is scheduled for Friday, March 29 at 1:30 pm, in the EyeMax Theater.

Before and after the keynote, attendees can take advantage of the significant expansion in the scope of education programs offered, particularly in New Technology and in Business Solutions. Course and certificate descriptions offered this year are found at www.visionexpoeast.com/en/Education/Highlights/.

Vision Expo East 2014 offers a greater number of exhibitors this year and also a number of “firsts” for the conference. Among them, a new partnership with UBER is offering attendees a $25 discount by using uber.com/go/VISION25. Using the free iPhone/Android/Blackberry 7 app, attendees can request a pickup and a car driven by a professional driver will arrive in minutes, charging a credit card and avoiding the hassle of waiting in line and carrying cash. Additionally, attendees may download a voucher entitling them to $12 parking for one car at one of two locations – MP 411 LLC, 475 West 41st Street and MP Manhattan Plaza LLC, 450 West 42nd Street. Parking space is available on a first come, first served basis.

New exhibitors are noted in the show directory, on the VisionMobile app, My Show Planner and will have a decal outside of their booth that identifies them as a first-time exhibitor.

Remember to download the “My Show Planner mobile app to take advantage of a seamless show experience. Explore hundreds of show specials, search for designer brands, and keep track of appointments with exhibitors, all via your mobile device. Show floor visits are a breeze with the interactive map so download the newest version of the app at www.VisionExpoMobile.com. n

Stop By Frames Data Booth for Free Trial to Frames Data Online

NEW YORK—Frames Data will offer free 30-day trials to Frames Data Online at this years’ Vision Expo East at Booth #4275. In January, Frames Data Online hit 100,000 monthly searches for the first time.

Subscribers are learning that they can increase sales and patient satisfaction by using the Frames Data website to show patients styles and colors they may not have in stock. Frames Data Online features a multi-parameter search tool where ECPs can search for frame information and wholesale pricing. Frames Data Online is available to all current Frames Data customers that subscribe to Frames Data IDA, Frames Data SPEX UPC and Frames Data Quarterly.

Frames Data Online can be accessed by visiting www.framesdata.com and entering the username and password created upon subscribing. Once access has been granted, subscribers will find frame information and XL full-color images in multiple color ways. Frames Data also offers a patient-safe, online wholesale price lookup tool, called PriceCenter.