Feb. 17, 2023 — The Vision Council (TVC) and RX, organizers of Vision Expo East, have announced Jason Romero, a legally blind endurance athlete, as the show’s keynote speaker.
 
“After losing his vision to a degenerative condition, Jason defied the odds to become an ultrarunner, crossing the U.S. on foot in only 60 days,” says Mitch Barkley, vice president of trade shows and meetings at TVC. “Jason’s story of resilience and success underscores the life-changing value of sight and is an inspiration to us all.”
 
In his keynote, “Challenge to Change,” Romero will share his journey from being a successful executive to becoming an unemployed blind man before emerging as a Paralympian national champion endurance athlete who holds more than 10 world records. The presentation will take place on Saturday, March 18, at 3:30 p.m. on Vision Expo East’s main stage, The Bridge.
 
“Losing my sight has had a profound impact on my life,” says Romero. “More than anyone else, I understand the value of vision care and I’m honored to have the opportunity to speak with so many innovators and leaders in the eye care community.”
 
The show returns to New York City’s Javits Center March 16-19, with education beginning on Thursday, March 16 and the exhibit hall opening Friday, March 17.
 
For everything from educational offerings to parties and après-show highlights, look out for EB’s BIG Vision Expo East Guide in the upcoming March issue.
 
For more information: east.visionexpo.com.