Sept. 26, 2024 — Vision Expo West 2024 concluded four days of optical education, innovation, and celebration at The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, Sept. 18-21. Organized by RX and The Vision Council (TVC), the event gathered more than 10,000 industry professionals from 98 countries in 103,000 square feet of exhibit space, showcasing new eyewear designs and collection launches and advancements in lens technology, diagnostic tools, and practice management.

“The eyewear and eyecare industries continue to evolve, bringing new technologies and trends that enhance patient care and drive business growth,” says Beth Casson, group vice president at RX. “This expo has been a pivotal moment for the optical community as we continue to cultivate deep conversations regarding the exciting future of Vision Expo.”

The Eyecare Business team delivered daily coverage of the trade show, including recaps of thought-provoking panel discussions and Q+As with VisionEd educators—available here. Additionally, EB exclusive interviews with some of the leaders shaping the industry are available here.

Vision Expo West’s main stage destination, the Innovation Stage featured daily panels, including the new “Visionaries Unveiled” series, which addressed topics such as the impact of social media, incorporating hearing care into optical spaces, and integrating aesthetics into practice. Highlights include the “Flaunt the Frame” eyewear trends events, presented by EB editor-in-chief Kerri Ann DeCindis and associate editor Veronica Daub on Thursday and Friday afternoons, featuring a fashion show that highlighted key trends in eyewear. Additionally, track and field athlete Alaysha Johnson, a member of Team Oakley at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, attended the expo for the first time and discussed her Olympic journey.

The event also introduced new features such as the Tech & Innovation neighborhood, which highlighted cutting-edge technologies; the V Bar, which provided a space for networking during the Cocktails and Connections sessions; and the soft launch of Sun & Sport, featuring performance eyewear and a pickleball court.

Vision Expo West’s education program, VisionEd, featured 320 hours of continuing education across 23 specialty tracks, including OptiCon@Vision Expo, presented by the United Opticians Association.

“Vision Expo West remains the leading event for eyecare professionals,” says TVC vice president of trade shows Mitch Barkley. “This year we had the opportunity to connect with members, ignite discussions about the future of eye care, and forge lasting relationships across the industry. It’s always an honor to bring the community together at this annual event.”

For the first time ever, Vision Expo East 2025 will take place in Orlando, FL, Feb. 19-22, concluding its nearly 40-year run in New York City.