With Vision Expo set to transition to a single traveling annual event starting in Orlando, FL, in March 2026, this year’s Vision Expo West promises to be a landmark occasion, celebrating decades of innovation, education, and connection against the iconic backdrop of the Venetian Expo & Convention Center.
This anticipated edition of Vision Expo West will offer attendees an expanded slate of continuing education courses and a robust lineup of presentations and parties.
Before Vision Expo embarks on its next chapter, this final Western send-off is positioned to celebrate the best of what the dual-show format has offered while setting the tone for what’s next. However, the Las Vegas energy won’t be missed for long, as the unified Vision Expo will return to the Venetian in March 2027.
Here, Eyecare Business delivers a launchpad for your planning, curating everything you need to know to make the most of Vision Expo West 2025.
VEGAS VIBES
Whether you’re looking to catch a bite with a colleague at a new hot spot or have found yourself with free time on your trip to explore the Strip, we’ve curated a handful of fun opportunities to embrace “Viva Las Vegas” vibes.
EAT: Pisces, a recently opened restaurant in the Wynn located on the Lake of Dreams, has made a splash with its Mediterranean menu and Instagram-worthy interior.
PLAY: Katy Perry may have flown to space, but she’s also flown the SlotZilla Zoom zip line, which zooms riders superhero style 114 feet aboveground along Fremont Street.
WATCH: There’s no place like…Vegas, where “The Wizard of Oz at Sphere” takes the iconic film to another level.
LISTEN: The iHeartRadio Music Festival at the T-Mobile Arena (Sept. 19-20) boasts an impressive roster, including icons like Bryan Adams, Ed Sheeran, and Mariah Carey.
—Kerri Ann DeCindis
EYE ON EDUCATION
Vision Expo West features a comprehensive education program, tapping industry experts to share their insights, perspectives, and knowledge across a diverse range of topics. This includes OptiCon @ Vision Expo, a dedicated track for opticians presented by the United Opticians Association.
Here, EB highlights a curated selection of accredited continuing education courses aligned with our signature columns, tailored specifically for our readers. —V.D.
For a full list of offerings, click here.
➤ STAFF HIRING, TRAINING + RETENTION
• Unlocking Your Inner Superpowers to Build a Thriving Eyecare Practice: how empathy, resilience, and adaptability can enhance patient care, prevent burnout, and strengthen leadership. Sept. 19, 9:45-10:45 a.m.
• Inspiring Your Team to Greatness: strategies for motivating and leading staff to achieve team excellence and practice success. Sept. 19, 11 a.m. to noon
• Urgency Culture in a 24/7 World:how to break free from reactive chaos, identify real growth drivers, and align your team on high-impact priorities. Sept. 19, 3:45-4:45 p.m.
• Psychological Safety in the Workplace:understanding how creating a safe environment can improve staff retention, engagement, and productivity. Sept. 19, 4-5 p.m.
• Promoting the Happiness Advantage in Your Office: how fostering a positive work culture boosts productivity, creativity, and problem-solving, based on insights from “The Happiness Advantage” by Shawn Achor. Sept. 20, 11 a.m. to noon
➤ BACK TO BASICS
• Unraveling the Mysteries of Insurance: an introduction to understanding insurance basics to improve long-term revenue collection. Sept. 18, 9:45-10:45 a.m.
• Tackling the Safety and Eyecare Needs of Athletes: an overview of sports vision opticianry, addressing performance challenges, protection needs, and specialty eyewear solutions. Sept. 18, 9:45-10:45 a.m.
• Basic Frame Repair Workshop: hands-on practice of frame repair techniques. Sept. 20, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
• The ABCs on Pediatric Vision: essential strategies for serving children in optical practices. Sept. 20, 11 a.m. to noon
➤ SOCIAL CUES
• The ABCs of Marketing—Simple Strategies With Serious Impact: marketing fundamentals for audience, brand messaging, and channel selection. Sept. 17, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
• How to Build a Personal Brand That Shines: strategies for crafting an authentic personal brand. Sept. 17, 9:45-10:45 a.m.
• Lights, Camera, Conversion—Mastering Video Marketing in Eye Care:how to create and leverage effective video content to attract patients, build trust, and grow your practice’s digital presence. Sept. 17, 2:15-3:15 p.m.
➤ BUILDING CONTACTS
• Contact Lens Innovation Symposium: a three-part series exploring advanced contact lens applications beyond vision correction, including therapeutic uses, practice disruptors, and emerging technologies like AI and smart lenses. Sept. 17, 8 a.m. to 1:20 p.m.
• Seeing Beyond 20/20—Transforming Lives With Contact Lenses: an exploration of contact lens innovation, from milestones to future advancements. Sept. 19, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
• Clearing the View—Contact Lens Challenges: how to manage discomfort, prevent complications, and educate patients on proper lens care and hygiene. Sept. 20, 9:45-10:45 a.m.
• Lens Leaders—An Update and Overview of the CL Industry: insights from top manufacturers on the latest lens technologies. Sept. 20, 1-2 p.m.
➤ LOW VISION
• Houston, We Have a Problem—Straightforward Solutions to Low Vision Problems:practical approaches for assisting first-time low vision patients. Sept. 17, 3:45-4:45 p.m.
• The Main Tools of Low Vision—How and When to Use Them: an overview of low vision rehabilitation, from assessing patient needs to selecting effective tools that improve quality of life. Sept. 17, 3:45-4:45 p.m.
• Solutions to Low Vision Beyond Magnifiers: advanced treatment options beyond traditional magnification aids. Sept. 20, 1-2 p.m.
➤ VISUAL MERCHANDISING + STORE DESIGN
• The New Rules of Optical Merchandising; Double Your Sales!: how to create a dynamic, patient-focused buying experience that drives growth and profitability. Sept. 18, 5-6 p.m.
• The Practice Owner’s Guide to Lean Inventory Management: an introduction to lean inventory principles, helping practice owners streamline operations. Sept. 20, 7:15-8:15 a.m.
➤ LAB INSIDER
• New Technology Showcase: Speed Dating With New Technology: hands-on and didactic introduction to the latest diagnostic and treatment tech to enhance clinical care. Sept. 17, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
• What Your Contact Lens Lab Wishes You Knew: key insights into effective collaboration with labs for designing and troubleshooting specialty contact lenses. Sept. 20, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
PRESENTATIONS + PARTIES
Beyond education, Vision Expo West offers opportunities for connecting, celebrating, and conversing on and off the show floor. From insightful main-stage panels to can’t-miss evening events, EB presents key highlights from the event lineup to help you plan your days and nights during the show. —V.D.
For the complete list of Vision Expo fun, click here.
➤ WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 17
Swing Fore Sight Golf Tournament
7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Prevent Blindness hosts its annual charity golf outing, featuring breakfast, practice swings, 18 holes of golf with roaming hospitality carts, and a post-round lunch and raffle. Proceeds support Prevent Blindness initiatives.
Location: Bali Hai Golf Club
➤ THURSDAY, SEPT. 18
The Prospects for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in Optometry
10:15-10:45 a.m.
Latinos en Optometry and Zeiss present a discussion on advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in optometry education, care access, and professional leadership.
Location: Main Stage
AI-Powered Practice Growth: How Smart Technology Is Shaping the Future
11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
A panel explores how AI-driven tools are transforming practice operations, patient communication, and business growth strategies in optometry.
Location: Main Stage
OWA Connection Series: Spark Sessions—Women Who Light the Fire
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
The Optical Women’s Association (OWA) presents Spark Sessions, featuring women leaders who inspire through the OWA pillars: Connect, Inspire, Lead. RSVP required at opticalwomen.com/events.
Location: Venetian Level 3, Murano Room 3304
Opticon General Session: Dream Big—The Future of Opticianry in the 21st Century
12:30-1:30 p.m.
Presented by the United Opticians Association, David Friedfeld of ClearVision Optical shares insights on future trends in opticianry and strategies for career and business growth.
Location: Main Stage
Vision Expo Opening Night Party
9 p.m. to midnight
Enjoy live music with Bad Habits, “The EyeDocs of Rock,” and special guest Mark Rivera. All attendees welcome with badge.
Location: Brooklyn Bowl at The LINQ Promenade
➤ FRIDAY, SEPT. 19
The Vision Council's All- Member Meeting
8-9 a.m.
The Vision Council leadership presents the annual industry update, including market research, policy, and regulatory developments impacting vision care.
Location: Main Stage
Opticon Expert Panel: Vision Forward—Innovations + Insights in Opticianry
12:30-1:30 p.m.
Presented by the United Opticians Association, a panel of opticianry experts discusses innovations and strategies shaping the optical field.
Location: Main Stage
Smart Eyewear: Consumer Trends, ECP Perspectives + Market Momentum
3:30-3:55 p.m.
The Vision Council presents the latest research on smart eyewear, including consumer adoption, ECP perspectives, and product innovations.
Location: Main Stage
Flaunt the Frame Eyewear Fashion Show
4:40-5:15 p.m.
Eyecare Business’s Kerri Ann DeCindis and Veronica Daub present a curated runway show highlighting fall 2025’s top eyewear fashion trends.
Location: Main Stage
OWA Bids & Bevs Reception
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Join the Optical Women’s Association (OWA) for an evening of networking, auctions, and raffle prizes. RSVP required at opticalwomen.com/events.
Location: Venetian Level 3, Murano Room 3304