ALEXANDRIA, Va.—Starting tomorrow, thousands of ophthalmic professionals, buyers, influencers and technology gurus will gather at the Javits Center for Vision Expo East in New York City, setting the tone and agenda for what’s next in optical design, ocular health and innovation. Continuing education will take place from March 14–17 and the Show will run from March 15–17. With only days left to go before the Show begins, there is still time to register for Vision Expo East.

Encompassing a more than 450-company exhibit hall, extensive business and clinical education sessions, cutting-edge fashion shows, high-energy panel discussions, awards and entertainment, the annual event attracts a who’s who of the eyecare and eyewear world. Whether networking from morning to night, unlocking new trends, brokering face-to-face deals, or learning from renowned experts, registrants from across the U.S. and around the world consistently find Vision Expo East to be one of the most valuable meetings of the year. 

Among the 2024 highlights are:

A Celebratory Ribbon Cutting will take place at the main entrance to the exhibitor hall, on Friday at 9:30 a.m., to kick off the last Vision Expo East in New York City.

Performance and Q&A with NYC icon and Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter, Sophie B. Hawkins. The artist will give a special performance and discuss her personal journey living with exotropia and amblyopia.

The NOW Awards, and the NOW by Vision Expo trend activation, is set to amplify its impact and showcase a diverse range of eyewear designs reflecting the latest industry trends in colors, materials and styles. Nine exciting awards will be presented, including “Eyewear, the Ultimate Accessory” Award presented by the Accessories Council, and a People’s Choice Award, where attendees will vote for their favorite pair of frames at the NOW Pavilion. Learn more here.

Flaunt the Frame, a new series sponsored by IMAGINEM that transcends conventional fashion shows by focusing solely on eyewear, will provide an unfiltered view of the most cutting-edge designs. Fashion shows on Friday and Saturday will highlight independent eyewear designs with collections from ClearVision, Morel, Modo, OGI, WestGroupe, Jonas Paul, Spectacle Eyeworks, Sospiri, Variation Design and ic! Berlin.
 
The OptiCon General Session, sponsored by EssilorLuxottica, will feature an inspirational conversation with Rebecca Alexander, LCSW-R, MPH, who has been losing both her vision and hearing due to Usher Syndrome (type 3) since adolescence.
 
Visionaries Unveiled, highlighting new disruptive content at Vision Expo’s main stage, will feature industry leaders who are pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the eyewear sector and present game-changing business strategies that will shape the future of eyewear. Experts in sustainability, aesthetics, and hearing care will give engaging presentations and spark active discussion.

20/20 Magazine’s 50th Anniversary, will feature an immersive exhibit demonstrating the evolution of the leading optical publication.

The Career Zone, a student favorite, will debut on a new day, Sunday, March 17, at a new location, The Bridge. The Career Zone will offer young professionals and students invaluable opportunities to network with industry leaders, engage in panel discussions and win prizes.
 
Attendees are also encouraged to visit The Vision Council’s Booth #F2568 in the Focus neighborhood to learn about membership opportunities, future industry events, and how to stay connected to the optical industry.

To view the complete schedule of events taking place at Vision Expo East, filterable by date, browse the event directory here.

Vision Expo East’s “Can’t Miss” schedule of events is listed below. Note, the event schedule is subject to change. Check Vision Expo’s website or mobile app for the most up-to-date schedule.

Friday, March 15
10:00 AM Eyecare Business Trends in Eyewear
 
11:00 AM Flaunt the Frame Fashion Show
Celebration Of Independent Eyewear:
Featuring the collections from ClearVision, celebrating 75 years of independence
 
11:45 AM From Customer Experience to Sustainable Shipping: Going the Extra Mile to Deliver the Future
Presented by Purolator
 
12:30 PM OptiCon General Session:
A Conversation With Rebecca Alexander, LCSW-R, MPH
Sponsored by EssilorLuxottica
 
1:45 PM The Fundamentals and Benefits of Light Therapy to Elevate Patient Care
Presented by Essilor Instruments
 
2:25 PM Visionaries Unveiled: Education for Change Makers
 
3:30 PM Flaunt the Frame Fashion Show
COLORPALOOZA: Including styles from Morel, Modo, OGI, WestGroupe and Jonas Paul
 
4:30 PM NOW Awards: 2nd Edition
Champagne Toast & Mingle


Saturday, March 16
9:45 AM RestoringVision: Doing Good Is Good for Business
 
10:15 AM Physician Burn Out
Hosted by the National Optometric Association (NOA)
 
11:00 AM Beyond Vision: Behaviors to Supercharge Your Contact Lens Business
 
12:30 PM The National Federation of Opticianry Schools (NFOS) College Bowl
Powered by EssilorLuxottica
 
2:00 PM Announcement of the Sergio Cereda Eyewear Design Award
Created in honor of Sergio Cereda to recognize distinctive and emerging talent in the eyewear industry
 
3:30 PM Flaunt the Frame Fashion Show
Artisanal Eyewear: Featuring styles by Spectacle Eyeworks, Sospiri, Variation Design and ic! Berlin
 
4:15 PM Q&A and Performance by Sophie B. Hawkins

 
Sunday, March 17
10:00 AM Career Zone open all day

 
Registration for Vision Expo East 2024 is still open and is required to access the Show floor. Individuals interested in attending Vision Expo East can pre-register here, or register on-site at the times listed below.

Conference Registration Open:
Thursday, March 14: 7:30 AM – 6:15 PM
Friday, March 15: 6:30 AM – 6:15 PM
Saturday, March 16: 6:30 AM – 6:15 PM
Sunday, March 17: 6:30 AM – 3:00 PM
 
Show Registration Open:
Friday, March 15: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday, March 16: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday, March 17: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM