Launching at Vision Expo East 2019, the new Career Zone will connect top optical retailers with eyecare providers and host some of the industry’s top thought leaders in this year’s Pathways to Leadership in Corporate Optometry Panel. The Career Zone will offer vast opportunities for networking through panel discussions, receptions and the new Passport Program for students and young professionals.

On Saturday, March 23, the Pathways to Leadership in Corporate Optometry Panel will be held in the Career Zone starting at 4 p.m. with a cocktail reception to follow at 4:45 p.m.–5:30 p.m. This year’s panel, sponsored by the American Association of Corporate Optometry and Walmart, will bring together top industry thought leaders and discuss the range of business models optometrists can practice today.

Moderator Erinn Morgan, editor-in-chief of Eyecare Business Magazine, will help guide the discussion as each panelist shares his or her perspectives and experiences.

Panelists include:

Matt Geller, OD, CEO and co-founder of CovalentCareers, Inc. and NewGradOptometry.com
Tracey Glendenning, OD, director of recruiting at MyEyeDr.
Pratil Lal, OD, director of vision services at Warby Parker
Bill Noble, multi-unit franchise owner of Pearle Vision
Maria Sampalis, OD, founder of CorporateOptometry.com, @CorporateOptometry on Facebook, and contributing editor for Corporate Optometry Today
Alex Smith, OD, vice president of professional services for National Vision
Carl Spear, OD, senior vice president, eyecare, North America for Luxottica
“One of the top reasons attendees come to Vision Expo is to network,” said Joanne Mohr, event director at Reed Exhibitions. “The Career Zone provides a new destination for attendees to meet face-to-face with some of the country’s leading retailers to learn about career and leadership opportunities.”

Exhibitors in the Career Zone include Cohen’s Fashion Optical, Corporate Optometry Today, For Eyes, Luxottica, MyEyeDr., National Vision, Vision Source, VuePoint and Walmart.

Additionally, the NewGradOptometry + CovalentCareers Booth (#C4067) will provide a comfortable environment for students and young professionals to network and learn through panel discussions on hot topics and access to career resources.

Also launching this year, the new Passport Program will provide students and young professionals the opportunity to explore and get acquainted with exhibitors. Individuals under the age of 34 will receive a passport, included with each badge, to take to vendors for a stamp to be entered to win participating vendor prizes, including an apple watch, eyewear, gift cards and more.

For more information on the Pathways to Leadership in Corporate Optometry Panel, click here. To learn more about the Career Zone, visit VisionExpoNY.com.