Vision Expo, organized by The Vision Council and RX, announced in a press release the fourth installment of the NOW Awards. Presented in partnership with the Accessories Council, this year’s awards are expanding beyond the Vision Expo show floor and invites all members of the global eyewear community to participate in this celebration of innovation, artistry, and storytelling. Exhibition at Vision Expo is not required.

From established houses to independent designers making their US debut, the NOW Awards provide a unified platform to showcase visionary design and innovation that defines what’s next in eyewear.

A judging committee of leaders across design, retail, education and fashion will evaluate submissions. The 2026 NOW Awards judges include Gary Black, founder of Black Optical; Christian Roth and Eric Domege of Christian Roth Eyewear and the Council of Fashion Designers of America Inc. (CFDA); Selima Salaun, designer and owner of Selima Optique; Victor Sanz, creative director of TUMI; Bob Schulze, owner of Globe Design and Vision; Dr. Jennifer Tsai of Line of Sight; and Jeneene Allen, founder and fashion educator at ASGNMT.

Entries will be evaluated across the following categories: 

• Best Sunglass (Independent & Branded)

• Best Optical (Independent & Branded)

• Best Direct to Consumer

• Optical Achievement

• Best Emerging Brand

• Ultimate Accessory, presented by the Accessories Council

Submissions for the 2026 NOW Awards are now open, and designers, brands, and creators from around the world are encouraged to enter. Entries will close on February 9, 2026 and product must be received by February 16, 2026.

“The idea behind NOW has always been to create a space where creativity leads,” said Nico Roseillier, creator and director of NOW by Vision Expo. “By opening the NOW Awards to the entire industry, we’re giving every designer, no matter where they are, the chance to showcase their work in a deeply meaningful way. This is about celebrating the global language of design.”

Vision Expo 2026 will take place March 11–14, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Register here. OM