Vision Expo West (VEW) is nearly here and this year is going to be bigger than ever as 2013 marks the 25th anniversary of the event.
This year will feature several noteworthy events and special guests. Last year more than 13,000 people visited the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Las Vegas to
learn about the latest technology and styles in the eyewear industry.
This year’s event, held October 2 to 5 promises to be just as exciting and informative.
This year VEW has developed a collection of programs, education and events to address several key areas of concern in the industry including:
• Business Solutions
• Clinical/Medical
• Technology
• Contact Lenses.
Kirk Smick, founder of the Clayton Eye Centre and Chairman of The Vision Council said he and his team have carefully chosen a program that targets the issues eyecare
professionals are dealing with everyday.
“We want to make it easier for ECPs to create a customized learning strategy,” said Smick.
The result is more than 325 hours of continuing education programs.
The areas of natural health will also be examined more closely this year as more patients look to alternative medicines to help with their medical conditions.
“We will be offering a program on supplements,” said Smick adding the Vision Council continues to look at patient wellness on an ongoing basis as it continues to develop
curriculum over the year.
In addition, the event will also feature a ‘Special Nutrition Program’ with special guest Dr. Laurie Capogna, author of Eyefoods, A Food Plan for Healthy Eyes.
New To You
VEW will have countless new ways to network and educate this year. The Young Professionals Club is a free club for new ODs who have been out of school for five years or less.
Membership is ongoing and will be accepted leading up to the event. With it comes several perks including free entry into the exhibit hall, six hours of continuing
education, literature and a Vision Expo mug.
Those interested in joining can do so on the Vision Expo West website.
“The form can be completed and submitted online,” said Stephanie Sikorski, marketing and communication manager for The Vision Council.
She added that membership to The Young Professionals Club is a great way to learn what is happening in the industry.
EYE2ZONE
Launched at Vision Expo East 2013, the EYE2 ZONE is a dedicated showcase for new, non-traditional vision technologies. Experience how your patients and customers can
enhance vision or athletic performance, communicate or view media, measure and monitor biometric data, promote wellness and more. Learn how and why you should be influencing decisions related to technology that involves their eyes.
Enjoy live demonstrations and the ability to touch and feel the next generation of vision technology.
Optometrist and Optician Referral Program
The Optometrist Referral Program and the Optician Referral Program are designed to encourage ODs and Opticians to attend International Vision Expo West for the first time
based on a peer referral. Each referring participant can submit up to five referrals. Both the person providing the referral and the OD or Optician colleague who is being
referred will receive one of a choice off our gifts valued at $100 each and it will be awarded onsite at the OD/OP Referral Desk in the main Registration Area.
Find Your Way
Once again Vision Expo has developed several tools to help visitors navigate around the event.
The online show planner tool allows you to access your calendar, vendor information and do searches from your smart phone.
You can find the app in the Play Store and App Store. VEW is also using social media to connect with visitors and can be found on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
What Happens in Vegas……
Participation in VEW not only helps visitors increase their knowledge, it is also a great opportunity to explore Las Vegas. Guests have several opportunities to take advantage of discounts to entertainment such as Jersey Boys and Cirque du Soleil.
Discounts are also available for tours, shopping and food.
Keep watching the VEW website for more details. To learn more and to register for the event visit www.visionexpowest.com