Vision Expo West will return to The Venetian Expo this fall with a redesigned format, expanded programming, and enhanced networking opportunities, organizers RX and The Vision Council announced in a recent press release. The meeting will feature more than 300 exhibiting brands and companies and will highlight emerging technologies, eyewear design, and practice management strategies. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in each area.

Exhibit Hall

The exhibit hall, which will be open from September 18 to 20, will be divided into 4 dedicated sections: Eyewear, Eye Care, Independent Design, and Tech & Innovation. Attendees will be able to navigate the floor more efficiently and connect with startup companies, leading laboratories, and established brands. New activations include:

• LaunchPad: Featuring 25+ startups and finalists from the VSP Vision Innovation Challenge.
• Indie Lab Speakeasy: A gathering space for independent labs, sponsored by GSRX.
• Meeting Zone: A new matchmaking and networking hub.
• NOW Design Showcase: Highlights of eyewear trends selected from Vision Expo East.
• Independent Design Lounge: Dedicated networking with industry creatives.

Main Stage

The Vision Expo Main Stage will host discussions on practice management, staffing, leadership, and future industry trends. Notable sessions and events include:

• OptiCon General Session – Dream Big: The Future of Opticianry in the 21st Century (September 18, 12:30 PM), led by David Friedfeld, President and Coowner of ClearVision Optical.
• VSP Vision Innovation Challenge Awards (September 18, 4 PM): 6 finalists will present after a 4-week bootcamp. Early-stage startups will be eligible for up to $400,000 in investment from Topcon Healthcare’s THINC Ventures.
• Flaunt the Frame Eyewear Fashion Show (September 19, 4:40 PM), hosted by Eyecare Business. 

Education

The education program, which will run from September 17 to 20, will offer 270+ hours of accredited and nonaccredited content, including 13 hours of free COPE-approved sessions. Highlights include:

• Summits: One-hour CE-accredited sessions that address current challenges in eye care with case-based discussions.
• Refractive Program: Joint sessions between optometry and ophthalmology that will focus on refractive and cataract care.
• Technology Showcase: Hands-on demonstrations that will link clinical education with exhibit hall solutions. 

Networking

Networking hubs include the TVC Bar, with daily coffee and happy hours, and the UOA OptiCon Hub, which will be dedicated to optician-focused programming. Special after-hours events include:

• Vision Expo After Dark (September 17, Atomic Golf Las Vegas).
• Opening Night Party (September 18, Brooklyn Bowl at The LINQ Promenade), featuring live performances by Mark Rivera and Bad Habits – The EyeDocs of Rock.
• Industry partner events include the Swing Fore Sight Golf Tournament (September 17), the Optical Women’s Association Spark Sessions (September 18), and more throughout the weekend. 

Registration

Attendees can register through west.visionexpo.com and can download the official mobile app for maps, schedules, and exhibitor details. A daily show publication will provide updates throughout the week.

Eyecare Business will also release its BIG Vision Expo West Guide on September 1. Find a curated selection of education courses and events for ECPs to get the most out of the optical trade show.