On Friday, Feb. 21, at 8 a.m., The Vision Council (TVC) All-Member Meeting took place, giving attendees an overview of recent findings from its Market inSights report, tariff intel, and other industry updates.

Here are some key highlights from the TVC All-Member Meeting, which took place at the Main Stage location of Vision Expo East:

• TVC has launched a tariff dashboard to keep members up to date on the latest policy changes.
• A new report on managed vision care is available here as a complimentary download for members and for nonmembers to purchase.
• TVC announced an upcoming study regarding how artificial intelligence is being used in a variety of industry roles, from manufacturing to retail.
• TVC warned about an uptick in website accessibility lawsuits and offers a guide for members for mitigating the risk of noncompliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• As of Jan. 1, products that include textiles, such as eyeglass cases and lens cloths, need to be free of PFAS before they can be sold in California. Additionally, TVC shared that California Proposition 65 is undergoing changes that will affect display warnings and labels.

A key focus of the meeting was the tariffs introduced by the current administration. TVC shares that advocacy efforts are continuing on Capitol Hill to engage with policymakers and relay the impact of President Trump’s executive orders, particularly the tariffs, on the industry.

TVC made note of important dates regarding tariffs:

• The 10% additional tariff on Chinese goods has been in effect since Feb. 5.
• The threatened 25% on goods from Mexico or Canada has been pushed to March 4. TVC will be monitoring those to see whether and when they will go into effect.
• Beginning March 12, a 25% tariff on metals, including aluminum and steel, will be in place. TVC shared it might take a few months for those prices to work their way into products, but the industry will “eventually feel the bite” of those tariffs.

For additional intel on tariffs and their impact on the industry, head to EB's interview with Omar Elkhatib, TVC's senior manager of government relations.

Recognizing today’s active political environment, TVC closed the meeting by encouraging its members to become engaged with the government and regulatory affairs committee and its programs:

• VisionPAC, a nonpartisan political action committee (PAC) that supports federally elected officials who have demonstrated commitment to championing TVC’s agenda.
• Congressional Connections, a program that connects eyecare professionals with their local representatives to encourage advocacy to benefit the optical industry.
• PolicyWatch, a website that monitors regulations regarding telehealth.

Keep up with the action from Vision Expo 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.