The Vision Council (TVC) CEO Ashely Mills kicked off Vision Expo East at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL, with Eyecare Business associate editor Veronica Daub, sharing an overview of the many features of the optical trade show, taking place Feb. 19-21.

To watch the Vision Expo East kick-off conversation, click here.

 Here are some key highlights of the 2025 edition of Vision Expo East:

• More than 40% of registered attendees are newcomers to Vision Expo, which aligns with TVC's vision of opening a new regional market for exhibitors. 
• New this year, the Over-the Counter (OTC) Pavilion will introduce eyecare professionals to OTC products that can potentially expand front-of-the-house offerings.
• To reflect the resurgence of independent optical labs, another new feature of the show is the Indie Lab Speakeasy, designed to support partnerships between ECPs and independent labs.
• The Italian Pavilion showcases top designers of Italian luxury eyewear, a collaboration with the Italian Trade Commission and the Italian Optical Manufacturers Association.
• Tennis legend Venus Williams will deliver the keynote on Friday, Feb. 20, at 4:30 p.m., exploring the role of innovation in business and leadership.

Vision Expo East takes place Feb. 19-21 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. Keep up with the action from the event on Eyecare Business’s Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram, and see EB’s BIG Vision Expo East Guide for a curated selection of education and events here.