Vision Expo Attendees Are Back…And So Is the Show’s Energy

Nearly three years to the day of when lockdowns began during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Javits Center opened its doors on March 17 to thousands of vendors, buyers, eyecare professionals and industry leaders. “This is the first year where it feels like the energy is back,” VSP Vision’s Stevie Mitchell keenly observed. Vision Expo East was the largest gathering of ophthalmic professionals in the U.S. in recent years. The Show, which ran from March 16 -19, welcomed thousands from the international vision care industry. Read on for a recap of some of Expo’s major highlights as well as photos of some of the many Show Floor events.

Rock4Sight Proceeds Will Drive ECN Purpose’s Mobile Eye Health Program

NEW YORK—Rock ‘n’ roll fans danced and sang along to some of their favorite tunes last Saturday night at Rock4Sight, the fundraising concert for ECN Purpose, a 501c3 charity dedicated to providing both eye health education and connection to vision care to the underserved. The show, which took place at the Hard Rock Café in Times Square, featured optical industry performers who volunteered their time and talent. With the support of corporate sponsors and revenue from ticket sales, the show raised $172,402 for ECN Purpose.

FTC to Host Public Workshop on Proposed Changes to ‘Eyeglass Rule’ on May 18, 2023, in Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Federal Trade Commission will host a public workshop on May 18, 2023, in Washington, D.C., to examine proposed changes to its Ophthalmic Practice Rules, also known as the Eyeglass Rule. The workshop, titled A Clear Look at the Eyeglass Rule, is free and open to the public, and pre-registration is not required. In December 2022, the FTC announced a proposal to update the Eyeglass Rule, which is designed to facilitate consumer choice and promote competition in the eyeglass market by requiring ophthalmologists and optometrists to provide patients with a copy of their prescription immediately after the completion of an eye exam.

Vision Expo East Announces Winners of the Inaugural NOW Awards

ALEXANDRIA, Va.—Vision Expo East 2023 announced the winners of the inaugural NOW Awards on Saturday, March 18 at the Javits Center in New York City. The awards honored brands that embodied the latest trends and innovation in eyewear. More than 100 companies and 180 brands participated in the competition, submitting products to eight different categories. All Vision Expo East exhibitors were invited to enter one frame (optical or sunglass) or lens product per company they felt best represented one of the themes for this year’s show.

CooperVision Names 2023 Best Practices Honorees and Student Scholarship Recipients

SAN RAMON, Calif.—Following its annual nationwide search for current and future leaders in optometry, CooperVision named its 2023 Best Practices honorees and student scholarship recipients. The initiative—now in its eighth year—honors eyecare practices across the U.S. that advance the profession through innovation, industry leadership, and providing exceptional patient care. The scholarship program provides third-year optometry students the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with some of the best in the profession, according to the company.