EB's BIG Vision Expo East Guide
After a nearly 40-year history in New York City, Vision Expo East arrives in Orlando, FL, at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC)—a move designed to create a more cohesive, centralized experience for attendees with hotels, meeting spaces, and events within walking distance.
Catch EB LIVE from Orlando
The EB team will broadcast highlights from Vision Expo East’s official debut in Orlando, FL, featuring event coverage and Q+As with some of the industry’s notable professionals and special guests. Stay tuned with us on Facebook, LinkedIn,
Instagram, andYoutube.
Organized by The Vision Council and RX, Vision Expo East kicks off its education programming on Wednesday, Feb. 19, followed by the opening of the exhibition hall on Thursday, Feb. 20, which will be organized into four distinct sections: Eyewear, Eye Care, Independent Design, and Tech + Innovation. New show features include the Resource Center, featuring The Vision Council in collaboration with associations and charitable partners; the OTC Showcase, spotlighting popular over-the-counter products; the Indie Lab Speakeasy, a meeting place sponsored by independent laboratories; and more.
The optical trade show’s history-making debut in a new location comes with a fresh revamp, with a brand-new logo, improved show navigation, updated programming, and new event features to not only reflect evolving fashion trends but also strengthen the optical industry community.
We hope to see you at the show!
—The EB Team
Plan Ahead + Save
The official hotel block for Vision Expo East 2025 is open through Connections Housing until Jan. 19, with limited rooms available at nearby hotels and complimentary shuttles that connect to additional locations. Those traveling between Miami and Orlando can take advantage of 50% off train tickets through Brightline Smart Business Class travel Feb. 18-23 with promo code VISION at gobrightline.com.
Plus, registered attendees can enjoy discounts on dining, theme parks, and more through Vision Expo’s partnership with Visit Orlando. Click here to learn more.
Education Highlights
Vision Expo continues to offer a robust education program, gathering industry experts to deliver hours of accredited continuing education across a wide range of topics, including OptiCon @ Vision Expo, designed for opticians and presented by the United Opticians Association. Here,
EB shares a selection of courses specially curated with our readers in mind, with courses organized by various EB featured column series.
Access a full list of offerings here.
Back to Basics
• Understanding Basic Optical Theory: basic optics and how the human eye interacts with light. Feb. 19, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
• Prism Is Not a Four-Letter Word: an interactive course exploring the basis of ophthalmic lens design. Feb. 19, 3:45-4:45 p.m.
• Training the New Apprentice: practical opticianry skills from eyewear fitting and patient communication to optical theory and eye anatomy. Feb. 19, 5-6 p.m.
• Myopia Control for Opticians + Techs: an intro to myopia control for opticians with a focus on optical and contact lens-related modalities. Feb. 20, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
• You’ve Got To Be Fitting Me!: the fundamentals required for mastering the art of frame fitting and styling. Feb. 20, 9:45-10:45 a.m.
• Basic Frame Repair Workshop: hands-on practice and theory of various frame repairs. Feb. 21, 2:45-4:45 p.m.
Building Contacts
• Vision Heroes—Saving Sight With Contact Lenses in the Pediatric Population: strategies for delivering high-quality eye care to pediatric patients. Feb. 20, 7:15-8:15 a.m.
• AI + Contact Lenses: the latest artificial intelligence (AI)-powered innovations that are reshaping eye care. Feb. 20, 11 a.m. to noon
• Soft Contact Lens Complications: a focus on skills to recognize and prevent these issues. Feb. 21, 5-6 p.m.
• Contact Lens Selection + Patient Education: the many factors to consider when choosing the best contact lens option for each patient in addition to providing detailed patient education.
Feb. 22, 7:15-8:15 a.m.
• 10 Innovations in Contact Lenses That You Need To Know About: an overview of the latest advances in contact lenses. Feb. 22, 1-3 p.m.
Eye for Beauty
• Bright Eyes on the Future of Fashion, Optics, and Vision: the impact of fashion and optics on delivering a final product with optimal vision and aesthetic outcomes for each patient. Feb. 22, 7:15-8:15 a.m.
• The Intersection of Dry Eye and Beauty: how to design, build, and brand a profitable dry eye spa with aesthetic services, nonsurgical aesthetic options, and more. Feb. 22, 11 a.m. to noon
Low Vision
• The Business of Low Vision: the players, the game, and where opticians have opportunity in the low vision arena. Feb. 20, 5-6 p.m.
Social Cues
• Who Knows You?—Why Every ECP Needs a Personal Online Brand: strategies beyond traditional marketing to connect with patients and stand out in a competitive landscape.
Feb. 19, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
• Visual Impact—Strategies for Effective Video Marketing in Eye Care: the art of short-form videos to captivate audiences and convey your message succinctly. Feb. 19, 1-2 p.m.
• Rising Star—A Guide to Building a Team Member Into a Social Media Manager: proven strategies and hands-on techniques necessary for effective social media management. Feb. 19, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Staff Hiring, Training + Retention
• Professional Ethics to Practice By: tips for problem-solving and conflict resolution with both co-workers and patients. Feb. 20, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
• When Life Gives You Lemons: an exploration of how to uncover and capitalize on employee strengths. Feb. 20, 11 a.m. to noon
• Psychological Safety in the Workplace: the importance, components, and establishment of psychological safety for higher staff retention and productivity. Feb. 21, 7:15-8:15 a.m.
• Tips for Training Staff on New Eye-care Technology: strategies for reducing implementation time, fostering team buy-in, and leveraging vendor relationships. Feb. 21, 7:15-8:15 a.m.
• Decoding the Millennial Mindset: insights into motivating and engaging this generation to foster a workplace that aligns with their values. Feb. 21, 11 a.m. to noon
• 10 Ways To Grow Your Leadership: easy-to-implement tips for nurturing and developing leadership skills. Feb. 22, 9:45-10:45 a.m.
Visual Merchandising + Store Design
• Optical Merchandising Secrets You Need To Know!: tips for implementing a fun, rewarding, and dynamic buying experience for both the patient and the professional. Feb. 20, 9:45-10:45 a.m.
• Selling Efficiently + Effectively in a Busy Practice: exploring time management issues and gaining a template for thorough frame and lens selection. Feb. 22, 1-3 p.m.
Presentations + Parties
Vision Expo East delivers a whole new flavor of fun at its new location in Orlando, FL. Here, EB shares some highlights from the lineup.
See the full schedule of events here.
Wednesday, Feb. 19
OWA Champagne Breakfast: Celebrating Women in Leadership
8-9:30 a.m.
The Optical Women’s Association (OWA) celebrates the 2025 OWA award recipients: Lori Archer, Pleiades Award; Megan Molony, Pyxis Award; and Kayla Ashlee, Emerging Leader Award. RSVP required at opticalwomen.com/events.
Location: Hyatt Regency Orlando, Ballroom S
Prevent Blindness “Person of Vision” Dinner
6-10 p.m.
Prevent Blindness celebrates Howard Purcell, OD, FAAO, this year’s Person of Vision Award honoree, for his dedicated service to the eyecare industry. Registration is required at preventblindness.org/calendar/2025-person-of-vision.
Location: Hyatt Regency Orlando
Thursday, Feb. 20
OptiCon General Session
12:30-1:30 p.m.
Stay tuned at east.visionexpo.com for updates on this general session.
Location: OCCC Main Stage
Flaunt the Frame Eyewear Trends Show
3:45-4:15 p.m.
Presented by the Accessories Council, this year’s Flaunt the Frame Eyewear Trends Show features a curated selection of eyewear from the 2025 Now Trends Showcase, models from Optometry Divas, and a live DJ.
Location: OCCC Main Stage
Third Annual Now Awards
4:30-6 p.m.
The winners of the third annual Now Awards will be announced across the following categories: Best Sunglass Award, Best Optical Award, Best Direct to Consumer Award, Optical Achievement Award, People’s Choice Award, Best Emerging Brand, and the Ultimate Accessory (presented by the Accessories Council).
Location: OCCC Main Stage
OWA “Stars, Sips, and Scholarships” Cocktail Reception
5-6:30 p.m.
The Optical Women’s Association hosts its “Stars, Sips, and Scholarship” cocktail reception and networking event for members and nonmembers alike. RSVP encouraged at opticalwomen.com/events.
Location: Rosen Centre
Opening Night Party
9-11:59 p.m.
The new Vision Expo East comes with a reimagined opening night party across several exclusive bars, featuring two DJs, live country music, and, of course, the Bad Habits, also known as the Eye Docs of Rock.
Location: The Pointe Orlando
Friday, Feb. 21
The Vision Council's All-Member Meeting
8-9 a.m.
The Vision Council leadership will present strategic industry updates to members.
Location: OCCC Main Stage
UOA College Bowl
12:30-1:30 p.m.
The United Opticians Association (UOA) College Bowl gathers optometry students to compete by answering optometry-related questions in a game-show format, with a $500 first-place prize.
Location: OCCC Main Stage
Flaunt the Frame Eyewear Trends Show
3:45-4:15 p.m.
Another opportunity to catch this year’s Flaunt the Frame Eyewear Trends Show, featuring a curated selection of eyewear from the 2025 Now Trends Showcase, models from Optometry Divas, and a live DJ.
Location: OCCC Main Stage
Tropical Cocktail Reception
6-7:30 p.m.
Attendees can enjoy a poolside tropical-themed cocktail reception featuring a Calypso band, exotic birds, and more. Drink tickets will be distributed upon entry.
Location: Rosen Centre
