Independent Boutique Optical Retailers Are Invited to Submit Their Stories for Vision Expo’s 5th Annual OPTImum Retail Award

By Staff
Tuesday, January 31, 2023 12:27 AM ALEXANDRIA, Va.—The Vision Council and RX, organizers of Vision Expo, have announced that submissions are now being accepted for the 5th Annual OPTImum Retail Award scheduled to be presented at Vision Expo East on Friday, March 17 in New York City. Businesses in the independent optical retail market are encouraged to submit their stories for consideration by February 8, 2023. Launched in 2018, the OPTImum Retail Award was designed to celebrate the importance of independent boutique retailers in the optical industry.

Vision Expo East 2023 to Host Largest U.S. Optical Industry Gathering In Recent Years, March 16-19 in New York City

By Staff
Thursday, January 26, 2023 12:27 AM ALEXANDRIA, Va.—Where eyecare meets eyewear, and education, fashion and innovation mingle, Vision Expo East 2023 is on track to be the largest optical gathering the industry has experienced in years, according to show organizers The Vision Council and RX. Vision Expo East 2023 will take place March 16–19 at the Javits Center in New York City, with the show’s educational program, together with OptiCon@Vision Expo, opening Thursday, March 16 and the Exhibit Hall opening Friday, March 17, 2023.

The Vision Council Concludes 2023 Executive Summit, Inducts 2023 Board of Directors

By Staff
Thursday, January 12, 2023 12:30 AM AUSTIN, Texas—The Vision Council’s 2023 Executive Summit kicked off on Monday, January 9 with a welcome reception hosted by Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council, and continued through Wednesday, January 11, according to an announcement from the association. In addition, on Tuesday, January 10, The Vision Council inducted its 2023 board of directors during the association’s Annual Business Meeting. For more information on The Vision Council’s governance and to access the full board of directors list click here.

Italy's ANFAO Reports Increased Exports for 2022, Cites Concerns About Inflation and Other Factors for 2023

By Staff
Tuesday, December 27, 2022 12:21 AM PIEVE DI CADORE, Italy—The Italian Optical Goods Manufacturers’ Association general meeting was held earlier this month at the Eyewear Museum of Pieve di Cadore to take stock of the eyewear industry's performance and review the forecast for the coming months in Italy and internationally.

The Vision Council Announces New Hires and Promotions to Support 2023 Strategic Plan

By Staff
Tuesday, December 20, 2022 12:33 AM ALEXANDRIA, Va.—The Vision Council has announced a new organizational structure, including new hires in the trade association’s membership, marketing and communications, and market research departments, as well as staff promotions within the membership and government relations teams. “Our commitment to the vision care industry has never been stronger and I’m so pleased to welcome new hires and reward existing staff as we look ahead to a new year, with big plans on the horizon,” said Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council. “Exceedingly talented with an impressive range of experience and expertise, these additions will empower us to deliver on our mission to promote growth, foster community-building and engage with key stakeholders in support of better vision for better lives.”

Contact Lens Manufacturers Association Names New Officers and 2023 Board of Directors

By Staff
Friday, December 16, 2022 12:24 AM LINCOLN, Neb.—Derrell James, vice president and general manager of X-Cel Specialty Contacts, has been elected as the president of the Contact Lens Manufacturers Association. James also serves as the vice president for the Gas Permeable Lens Institute.

Conference and Exhibit Hall Registration Now Open for Vision Expo East 2023 Set for March 16-19 in New York City

By Staff
Wednesday, December 7, 2022 12:24 AM ALEXANDRIA, Va.—Conference and Exhibit Hall Registration opens today for Vision Expo East 2023, taking place March 16-19, 2023 in New York City at the Javits Center. The show’s organizers, The Vision Council and RX, are planning a robust Show experience, including a reimagined Show Floor layout, engaging programming and a premier education program. To register for Vision Expo East 2023, click here. The Show’s conference program, developed by the Education Planning Committee together with the OptiCon Advisory Board, will open Thursday, March 16, and the Exhibit Hall will open Friday, March 17.

ANSI Z80 ASC for Ophthalmic Optics Appoints New Sub-Committee Leaders

By Staff
Thursday, November 17, 2022 12:21 AM ALEXANDRIA, Va.—As the Secretariat to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z80 Accredited Standards Committee (ASC) for Ophthalmic Optics, The Vision Council has announced the appointment of two new subcommittee chairs.

Accessories Council Announces Winners for 2022 Design Excellence Awards

By Staff
Thursday, November 10, 2022 12:30 AM NEW YORK—The Accessories Council announced the winners for their 4th annual Design Excellence Awards at the Fashionphile offices late yesterday. Building on its history of honoring individuals and companies, the Accessories Council launched the Design Excellence Awards in 2019 to expand the recognition of outstanding products.

The Vision Council Announces Two Additional Keynote Speakers for the 2023 Executive Summit, January 9-11 in Austin, Texas

By Staff
Thursday, November 10, 2022 12:15 AM ALEXANDRIA, Va.—The Vision Council today announce two additional keynote speakers—Johnny Taylor Jr., President & CEO of Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and Jade Simmons, rockstar concert pianist—for the upcoming 2023 Executive Summit, taking place January 9–11, 2023 at a new host site, the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa, an iconic Texas Hill Country luxury resort just outside of downtown Austin, Texas.

Industry Veteran George Chao, Founder of Contour Optik Inc, Dies at 87

By Staff
Friday, October 14, 2022 12:15 AM ALEXANDRIA, Va.—The Vision Council is honoring the life and work of George Chao, a longtime member of The Vision Council and respected industry leader, who passed away last week at the age of 87 after a long and hard-fought battle with Parkinson’s disease. “George Chao was a pivotal leader in the optical industry for many decades and he will be missed by many,” said Tibor Gross, Sunglass and Reader Division liaison at The Vision Council.

The Vision Council Opens Registration for the 2023 Executive Summit, Taking Place January 9-11 in Austin, Texas

By Staff
Thursday, October 6, 2022 12:18 AM ALEXANDRIA, Va.—The Vision Council announced that registration is now open for the 2023 Executive Summit, taking place January 9-11, 2023 at a new host site, the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa, an iconic Texas Hill Country luxury resort just outside of downtown Austin, Texas. “The Executive Summit will gather the leaders of the optical industry to kick off 2023 and set the agenda for a successful year ahead,” said Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council.

Maureen Beddis, EVP of Membership & Strategic Initiatives, Will Leave The Vision Council

By Staff
Monday, October 3, 2022 12:24 AM ALEXANDRIA, Va.—In a communication sent to The Vision Council members on Friday morning, CEO Ashley Mills announced the departure of Maureen Beddis, The Vision Council’s executive vice president, Membership & Strategic Initiatives.

Vision Expo West 2022 Concludes Show in Las Vegas

By Staff
Wednesday, September 21, 2022 12:27 AM ALEXANDRIA, Va.—Vision Expo West 2022 concluded on Saturday, September 17. The four-day event, which took place in Las Vegas, Nevada, from Sept. 14-17 at The Venetian Convention Center & Expo, brought together thousands of members of the industry together. “It was amazing to see the full scope of the vision care industry come together in Las Vegas last week, both on and off the Show Floor,” said Fran Pennella, vice president, Visio Expo, at RX, co-organizer of Vision Expo.

Today’s Focus Is on the Next Generation of ECPs as Vision Expo West Comes to a Close

By Staff
Saturday, September 17, 2022 12:30 AM As Vision Expo West 2022 wraps up today, the organizers of Vision Expo, The Vision Council and RX, would like to thank all supporters, attendees and exhibitors for their enthusiasm, hard work and commitment that has made the Show so successful. Today, students and young professionals are encouraged to check out the Career Zone-Student Lounge from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.  Located in The Union, Booth #U23019, the Career Zone-Student Lounge is a central hub for students and young professionals to network with participating companies, all of which are actively recruiting and seeking new talent. The Career Zone-Student Lounge will also host some special events including: