NEW YORK—Networking and learning abound from the classroom to the exhibit hall to evening events around the city as International Vision Expo East kicks off here today. The global vision community has come together from more than 80 countries to understand the transformations that are revolutionizing our industry while addressing challenges and discovering solutions, show organizers said.

“The continued participation of thousands of professionals at Vision Expo is a positive sign that our industry is actively preparing for the future. Attendees from across the industry have said that they come to Vision Expo to learn what’s happening—and the innovations that are coming—so that they can makes informed business decisions and develop their plans for the future,” said Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council. “As the industry continues to change at an accelerated pace, from consolidations to an emphasis on direct-to-consumer and e-commerce, the next 3 days will be the epicenter for constructing plans in an environment where new business opportunities are ripe in the face of change.”

“Only at Vision Expo can eyecare professionals speak directly to the owners, designers, engineers and distribution teams about product and sales advancements. They interact with their peers to learn best practices to take back to their offices and hone their offerings,” said Melissa Ashley, senior vice president of Reed Exhibitions. “Attendees are using the show as a platform to take the pulse of their competitors and current and future partners. Vision Expo is the place to do a competitive analysis,” she said.

To read today’s copy of the Show Daily Digital Edition, click here. And stay tuned for more VMail from Vision Expo East on Saturday and Sunday.