The organizers of Vision Expo West, RX and The Vision Council (TVC), have announced the optical trade show will return to The Venetian Expo this fall with a redesigned format, expanded programming, and enhanced networking opportunities. The meeting will feature more than 300 exhibiting brands and companies and will highlight emerging technologies, eyewear design, and practice management strategies. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in each area.

EB's BIG Vision Expo West Guide, available in the upcoming edition on Sept. 1, offers a selection of education courses and events curated with our readers in mind.

The exhibit hall, open from Sept. 18-20, will be divided into four dedicated sections: Eyewear, Eye Care, Independent Design, and Tech & Innovation.

The following are key activations on the show floor:

• LaunchPad: Featuring 25+ startups and finalists from the VSP Vision Innovation Challenge
• Indie Lab Speakeasy: A gathering space for independent labs
• Meeting Zone: A new matchmaking and networking hub
• Now Design Showcase: Highlights of eyewear trends selected from Vision Expo East
• Independent Design Lounge: Dedicated networking with industry creatives

The Vision Expo Main Stage will host discussions on practice management, staffing, leadership, and future industry trends. Notable sessions and events include the following:

• Flaunt the Frame Eyewear Fashion Show, hosted by Eyecare Business
• OptiCon General Session—Dream Big: The Future of Opticianry in the 21st Century, led by David Friedfeld, president and co-owner of ClearVision Optical
• VSP Vision Innovation Challenge Awards

The education program, taking place Sept. 17-20, will offer more than 270 hours of accredited and non-accredited content, including 13 hours of free COPE-approved sessions. Highlights include the following:

• Summits: One-hour CE-accredited sessions that address current challenges in eye care with case-based discussions
• Refractive Program: Joint sessions between optometry and ophthalmology that will focus on refractive and cataract care
• Technology Showcase: Hands-on demonstrations that will link clinical education with exhibit hall solutions.

In addition to after-hour programming like the Visionetworking hubs include the TVC Bar, with daily coffee and happy hours, and the UOA OptiCon Hub, dedicated to optician-focused programming. Additional events include the following:

• Vision Expo After Dark at Atomic Golf Las Vegas
• Opening Night Party at the Brooklyn Bowl with Bad Habits, "The Eye Docs of Rock," and special guest Mark Rivera
• Prevent Blindness's Swing Fore Sight Golf Tournament
• The Optical Women’s Association (OWA) Spark Sessions
• OWA's Bids & Bevs Reception

Attendees can register through west.visionexpo.com and can download the official mobile app for maps, schedules, and exhibitor details.