It’s a new day for Vision Expo East, the trade-only conference and exhibition for eye care and eyewear presented by co-owners RX and The Vision Council. The 2025 edition is the show’s debut at the Orange County Convention Center from Feb. 19 to 22 in Orlando Fla.
“Moving to Orlando represents a transformative chapter for Vision Expo East, a reflection of direct feedback from our valued attendees, exhibitors and stakeholders,“ explained Ashley Mills, chief executive officer of The Vision Council.
“As the only show designed for the optical industry, by the optical industry; the move creates the opportunity for significant reinvestment in immersive, exciting and memorable show experiences that complements our core values of innovation, fashion, education and technology. The convention center and surrounding district creates a more connected and community-driven environment, with conference rooms, exhibit hall, hotels and dining in close proximity, providing the backdrop for guided networking and serendipity.”
At one of the booths at Vision Expo East.
Courtesy The Vision Council
This year’s event welcomes more than 300 eye care and eyewear brands to showcase the industry’s leading vision products and services, helping to grow regions outside of the States. “Our move to Orlando has allowed us to target and confirm growth many strategic segments, particularly from Latin America and Southern regions,” the executive said. “We’re seeing increased interest from diverse geographical areas and key industry verticals, reflecting the show’s esteemed brand recognition, coupled with growing appeal and accessibility.”
Orlando will see a reimagined show floor to provide a clear delineation of key categories and to introduce segments that are representative of the entire industry, with unique destinations for eyewear, eye care, technology and innovation, and independent design. “This year, we’ll also be introducing a dedicated space for independent labs as well as a continued partnership with the Italian Trade Commission and Italian Optical Manufacturers Association with 16 Made in Italy eyewear designers rounding out the Italian Pavilion,” the CEO said.
Mitch Barkley, vice president of trade shows at The Vision Council, echoed, “The reimagined Vision Expo event is designed to benefit eyewear boutiques, industry buyers, optometrists and opticians like never before. Orlando promises an incredible atmosphere that complements Vision Expo’s fresh, exciting experience.”
At the heart of the enhanced experience sits the Main Stage where daily programming — including thought leadership sessions, expert panels and keynote interviews — will live. The stage will also feature the Flaunt the Frame fashion shows presented by the Accessories Council, showcasing select frames from the expanded Now Trends Showcase.
A rendering of Vision Expo East in Orlando.
Courtesy The Vision Council
“Vision Expo’s Main Stage will feature a robust schedule of panel discussions, fashion shows and interviews on topics such as emerging AI in eye care, industry evolution and sustainability, and over-the-counter eyewear,” the CEO said. “You won’t want to miss Caroline Casey’s, president for the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, session, where she will give an inspirational talk about how the optical industry can unite to change lives and solve the global vision crisis. We’re bringing fashion to Orlando with two Flaunt the Frame fashion shows, and a fashion trends presentation. We also are incredibly excited to host a keynote interview about innovation in business featuring tennis legend Venus Williams and sports broadcaster Kelly Tilghman.“
Tennis legend Venus Williams will participate in a keynote interview about innovation in business with sports broadcaster Kelly Tilghman.
Courtesy The Vision Council
Other new show floor features include:
The Platinum Club for VIP practices and media: “We’re thrilled to debut The Platinum Club as an upgraded VIP area for our large $1 million-plus practices, hosted buyers, members of the media and social media influencers. The Platinum Club will be located on the show floor in a private space ideal for networking, conducting small meetings and interviews, and to reenergize throughout the day with daily complimentary amenities.”
The OptiCon Hub presented by the United Opticians Association: “This year, the option Hub will be located within Vision Expo’s ‘Resource Center’ near the main stage. Vision Expo partners with United Opticians Association and The Vision Council to deliver accredited and non-accredited education alongside a one-of-a-kind shopping experience and valuable networking for spectacle and contact lenses opticians. The optician community at Vision Expo will connect in a fun, engaging environment including sweet surprises in the hub, like complimentary ice cream,” she said. Representatives from the United Opticians Association will be available during show hours for attendees to learn more about member benefits and access resources related to credentialing and continuing education.
A new centralized Resource Center: “The resource center is a new destination, located right down the center aisle of the exhibit hall, dedicated to building knowledge and advancing career growth in the industry. The Vision Council along with the United Opticians Association and many other industry organizations and charitable partners are centralized here to provide a key location for knowledge and opportunities. Visitors can take advantage of complementary headshots, network over a beverage, take in content from the main stage, test out new innovative products and overall, learn about where the industry is going and how you can grow in the industry,” she said.
Now Trends Showcase: “Returning to Vision Expo East, the Now Trends Showcase and Awards will spotlight the latest trends in eyewear and some of the hottest products across the show floor. This year’s showcase will invoke themes of sensorial design, highlight industry innovation, nod to timeless classics and heritage designs, and feature eco-conscious and sustainable frames. We look forward to honoring brands and their frames across seven different categories at the Now Awards, presented on the Vision Expo main stage on Thursday evening. Select frames from the Showcase will be featured in the Flaunt Your Frame fashion shows taking place on the Main Stage on Thursday and Friday,” she said.
OTC Showcase featuring direct-to-consumer products and Indie Lab Speakeasy: “Debuting in Orlando, we’re excited to unveil two new destinations aimed at engaging new audiences that haven’t always had a home at Vision Expo. Our Indie Lab Speakeasy will provide a space for members of the Independent Lab community to share information about their respective labs, educate the broader vision industry on independent labs, conduct meetings and, of course, have some fun. The OTC, or Over-The-Counter Showcase, will offer some of the industry’s best direct-to-consumer brands the opportunity to display their brand and products and allow attendees to engage with this growing profit center.”
At the center of the show, year after year, is a focus on community and networking. “Networking is at the heart of Vision Expo East,” the CEO stressed. “We’ve created multiple dedicated spaces and experiences to foster connections, from the Resource Center to the Indie Lab Speakeasy, V Bar and various networking lounges. With more than 300 exhibitors and 270 hours of continuing education, attendees will have unprecedented opportunities to connect, learn and grow.”
An Attendee at Vision Expo East.
Courtesy The Vision Council
Off the show floor, the event is taking advantage of the new location with a variety of special events and parties planned for attendees. The new Opening Night Party and Music Fest will take over multiple bars at restaurants at The Pointe, located walking distance from the convention center, “and will offer something for everyone,” she said, with a variety of talent including a DJ, country music opener and a live rock band. Attendees are also invited to the new Tropical Poolside Cocktail Reception on Friday night featuring a live calypso band, exotic birds and other themed activations.
Back again this year, the Italian Pavilion produced in partnership with the Italian Trade Commission and the Italian Optical Manufacturers Association, will showcase 16 Made in Italy companies. “These designers enhance the diversity and sophistication of the eyewear showcased at Vision Expo. Presenting extraordinary eyewear collections, that highlight the fusion of traditional craftsmanship with modern design aesthetics. Attendees can expect to witness a diverse range of styles and innovations that showcase Italy’s continued commitment to excellence in the eyewear industry,” Mills said.
Vision Expo East serves as a hub for cutting-edge technologies and product launches. “From AI and AR/VR to advanced diagnostic tools and medical innovations, the Tech & Innovation neighborhood will showcase the future of the optical industry,” the CEO explained. “This event edition will also debut a sample of our future growth area for new technology, Launch Pad located in the Resource Center. This new destination to discover the most cutting-edge innovation in the industry will feature eight companies debuting amazing technology that truly expands the future of patient care. The vision industry as a whole is constantly evolving and innovating to provide better eye health products and services to people everywhere, and that is what we are showcasing here.”
The education center at the show.
Courtesy The Vision Council
Additional events include the Optical Women’s Association Champagne Breakfast: Celebrating Women in Leadership celebrating our 2025 OWA award recipients; the 17th annual Vision Monday Summit at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, a dive deep into how collaboration drives the industry forward; the Prevent Blindness Person of Vision Dinner, celebrating Purcell on Wednesday at 6 p.m.
“Vision Expo East is more than just a trade show — this show is a comprehensive offering for the industry with continuing education, a show floor featuring new products and inspiring and educational main stage programming,” Mills said. “We’ve created an environment that celebrates creativity, innovation and community, offering something valuable for every professional in eyewear and vision care.”
