International Vision Expo & Conference, the complete eyecare event, has announced a new online contest featuring student-made videos. Armed with handheld video cameras, students from 21 optometry schools were challenged to record their experience at International Vision Expo. The footage was professionally edited to create a short video that captures testimonials, exhibit hall, continuing education, city sights, exclusive student parties and networking events – all from a student perspective. The contest will run October 29- November 9.

“We’ve seen a tremendous amount of energy displayed by optometry students throughout the video challenge. The whole experience has been positive,” said Tom Loughran, vice president for Reed Exhibitions. “The project provided a new way to engage the next generation of eyecare professionals and now they have the opportunity to share their unique experiences and perspectives about our industry, and International Vision Expo, with others.”

Many students, like Kaitlynn Bock, a student at The Ohio State University College of Optometry, are eager to share their work. “I think the video turned out great. In fact, this is even better than I expected. It was a lot of fun to do.”

During the two-week contest period, videos will be featured on Facebook and can be accessed through a link on International Vision Expo East’s website, visionexpoeast.com/videochallenge. Video links can be shared with classmates, alumni, colleagues, friends and family. Voters must be logged in to a Facebook account to enter. Only one vote will count per person. Winners will be announced on or before Friday, November 16.

First, second and third place winners will be awarded a donation to their school in the amount of $2,500, $1,000 or $500, respectively. In addition, the first place winner will receive an exclusive off-site party hosted by International Vision Expo and the second place winner will be awarded a pizza party. Each student from the top three schools will also get a “swag bag.”

There are a limited number of key sponsorship opportunities available, including product and/or collateral placements in the swag bags. To take advantage of one of these exciting opportunities, please contact Kristen Reynolds at KReynolds@thevisioncouncil.org or 703-548- 0627.

For complete contest rules and information, go to visionexpoeast.com/videochallenge.