20th Vision Expo East unites vision community

For 20 years, the International Vision Expo East event has gathered vision professionals together for the purpose of helping the community to become better informed, more effective, and more profitable. The tradition continues in 2006 with numerous opportunities to learn, network, and see the latest industry products and technologies.

The 20th anniversary will serve as the nexus for the 2006 Vision Expo East grand opening celebration on Friday, March 31 at 9 a.m. in the Crystal Palace of the Javits Center. All conference attendees are welcome to join in the festivities, which will include a champagne toast, ribbon cutting, and recognition awards to the original 1986 exhibitors and conference contributors.

New features of Vision Expo East this year will include:

Workshops held at SUNY-Six workshops will be held at the State University of New York (SUNY) State College of Optometry. Participants will use state-of-the-art equipment in actual exam room settings.

Fashion panel-A panel of style experts will discuss leading-edge trends in eyewear, and how to create the "buzz" to sell it.

Business institute-Courses will feature essential practice management skills that will benefit practice owners and administrators.

"Women ask for Directions: Opportunities for Career Growth"-This symposium was designed by the Vision Council of America (VCA) to help women assess their current career status, and to plan and manage their careers successfully.

"Magnify Your Future 2006"-This program is designed for practitioners who want to add low vision to their practice and become familiar with the opportunities and products in the low-vision area.

ARBO OE Tracker Number-Vision professionals can now track their continuing education status by using mandatory OE tracker numbers.

"What is the Real World of Optometric Practice and How Do I Get There?"-This free lunch program for students will feature a panel discussion with the executive officers of the New York State Optometric Association Inc.

On display

During International Vision Expo East 2006, the place to see products is the exhibit hall. The extensive show floor provides an arena where more than 550 exhibitors from around the world will display and demonstrate thousands of eyecare products and services. Specialized pavilions, dedicated to medical and scientific topics and equipment and technology themes, offer attendees the opportunity to focus on specific areas of interest.

Exclusive eyewear designs will be on view at The Galleria and The Underground. More than 70 major vendors will display their product lines at The Galleria on Level 4 and the Extended Galleria on Level 3.

The Underground-a sophisticated line of showrooms for high-end eyewear designers and specialty spectacle lens producers-gathers many buying needs together under one roof.

Exhibit hall dates and hours are: Friday, March 31, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, April 1, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, April 2, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.