Thousands of industry professionals convene to explore the future of eyewear, eyecare and optical technology.

NORWALK, CT (September 25, 2025) – Vision Expo West 2025 concluded in Las Vegas after four days of education, innovation and networking that energized the global optical community. Co-owned by RX and The Vision Council, the event brought together nearly 10,000 optical industry professionals from 80 countries and all 50 states, spotlighting the technologies, trends and talent shaping the future of vision care and eyewear.

This year’s show reflected both loyalty and growth, with a strong retention of past attendees as well as 34% new attendees. Notably, more than 56% of attendees were key decision makers. Participation in the Platinum Club hosted buyer program for million-dollar practices increased by 27%, with over 600 participants, reinforcing Vision Expo West’s role as the premier platform for business and connection in the optical industry.

From the bustling exhibit floor to robust accredited education sessions and lively after-hours gatherings, Vision Expo West 2025 was marked by high energy, collaboration and a shared commitment to advancing the industry.

“Vision Expo—produced by the industry, for the industry—unites every sector of the vision community under one roof. It is the premier gathering where ideas, connections, and breakthroughs shape the future of eyewear and eyecare. This year’s event highlighted the strength of our community, the transformative power of technology, and our shared commitment to advancing vision care,” said Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council.

Show Floor Highlights

The newly redesigned exhibit hall featured streamlined navigation with key areas for Eyewear, Eyecare, Independent Design, and Tech & Innovation. More than 340 exhibiting brands and companies showcased the latest in eyewear design, practice solutions and patient care.

New and expanded activations energized the floor, including the LaunchPad Showcase where 20+ startups introduced breakthrough solutions in AI, VR, AR, and diagnostics; the Indie Lab Speakeasy, sponsored by GSRX, highlighted the independent lab community; and the NOW Design Showcase, celebrated creativity in eyewear with live competition voting ahead of winners being announced at Vision Expo 2026.

Attendees also connected at the TVC Bar with coffee service, happy hours and expert meetups; the Platinum Club was a lounge for select buyers, media and influencers; and the VSP Beer Garden featured themed drinks and mini golf. Other popular gathering spots included the French-inspired Conferee Café sponsored by HOYA, the Meeting Zone for one-on-one matchmaking and the UOA OptiCon Hub.

Discovery & Community

Vision Expo West 2025 brought together global leaders, independent trailblazers and innovators across eyewear and eyecare, showcasing the full spectrum of industry advancement. On the eyewear side, major players including EssilorLuxottica, Kering Eyewear, VSP Vision, Safilo, Marcolin and others unveiled their latest collections, while independent designers such as Kio Yamato, Caroline Abram/Talla Eyewear, l’Unique Optique, Poets Eyewear and Tom Davies highlighted the artistry and individuality shaping today’s design landscape. The eyecare sector was equally dynamic, with companies like Bausch + Lomb, Topcon Healthcare, Hoya Vision Care, Alcon, CooperVision, Carl Zeiss Vision and Meditec, and emerging tech firms introducing new tools, products, treatments and pharmaceuticals transforming patient care.

The Tech & Innovation area buzzed with new diagnostic devices, treatment tools, software platforms and retail solutions, while networking and community events, from the Optical Women’s Association Spark Sessions to the Vision Monday Most Influential Women in Optical Luncheon, highlighted Vision Expo’s role as the industry’s leading forum for connection and future-focused collaboration.

Education & the Main Stage

The educational program offered more than 270 hours of accredited and non-accredited content, including 13 hours of free COPE-approved content and OptiCon @ Vision Expo programming, presented by the United Opticians Association. New features this year included fast-paced Summits, CE-accredited sessions to provide quick insights on trending issues across eyecare based on proprietary research only at Vision Expo; a Refractive Program providing collaboration between optometry and ophthalmology offering CE focused on refractive and cataract care; and a Technology Showcase with hands-on product learning in a space that connects classroom learning to exhibit hall solutions.

The exhibit hall Main Stage was the hub of energy with presentations and panel discussions, a pitch competition, awards presentations, and the always anticipated Flaunt the Frame Eyewear Fashion Show presented by Eyecare Business Magazine. Main Stage highlights included the OptiCon General Session, “Dream Big: The Future of Opticianry in the 21st Century,” VSP Vision Innovation Challenge Awards, and INVISION’s America’s Finest Optical Retailer Award Presentation.

VSP Vision Innovation Challenge Winners Announced

In collaboration with VSP Vision and MATTER, Vision Expo hosted the 2025 VSP Vision Innovation Challenge, where six finalists pitched live on the Main Stage. Three winners were recognized for their breakthrough concepts that elevate the eyecare experience:

• Later-Stage Winner: Reyedar
• Early-Stage Winner: Vitazi.ai
• Audience Choice Winner: Muse.ai

Exhibitor and Attendee Reactions

“Vision Expo was the perfect place to connect with other young ODs and see how the industry is really leaning into tech and innovation. The conversations around AI, myopia management, and practice growth were super inspiring. I left feeling motivated with new ideas I can bring back to both my patients and my business.” – Dr. Nadia Afkhami

“Exhibiting at Vision Expo was an incredible experience, the energy and connections we made with industry leaders and fellow professionals truly exceeded our expectations, making it a milestone event for our team and our growth in the optical industry.” – Nataly Gammoh, Founder & CEO, T.E.D. Optical Lab

“It was so helpful to attend Vision Expo this year, especially with the launch of my new cold start practice. I was able to shop for equipment, frames, marketing materials and discover the latest innovations—all in one place. It was my first time at Vision Expo West, and I will most definitely be attending again next year!”– Dr. Sophia Visanji, Kuona

“We had an incredible response from the industry during Vision Expo West, especially our "get framed" event in our booth. Our account partners don’t just carry frames; they share in our mission. With Eco Eyewear, they’re part of carbon-negative production that has already planted over 4 million trees. With Modo, together we helped 2 million children see the world more clearly through our partnership with SEVA. At a time when purpose matters more than ever, this shared commitment makes all the difference. Vision Expo allows us to deepen our connections within the community.” – Heinz Pichler, ECP Channel, Director of Sales in North America, MODO Eyewear

“One of the biggest takeaways I noticed at Vision Expo West was how quickly innovation in both eyewear fashion and eyecare technology is evolving. Attending was incredibly valuable for me professionally, as it gave me the chance to connect with industry leaders, explore future opportunities, and stay ahead of trends in the profession. Vision Expo was both inspiring and motivating!”– Dr. Angelica Cifuentes, Bye Dry Eyes

Looking Ahead: Vision Expo 2026 and Beyond

Vision Expo will transition to a single annual event beginning in 2026. The first unified edition will take place March 11–14, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

Future Show Dates and Locations

• Vision Expo 2026: March 11–14 | Orlando, FL – Orange County Convention Center
• Vision Expo 2027: March 10–13 | Las Vegas, NV – The Venetian Expo
• Vision Expo 2028: March 29–April 1 | New York, NY – The Javits Center

For more information and updates on Vision Expo, visit www.visionexpo.com.

Media Contacts:

Emily Rocca
Marketing Director, RX Global
[email protected]

Jen Cullen Williams
Public Relations
[email protected]

About Vision Expo
Vision Expo is the trade-only conference and exhibition for eyecare and eyewear presented by co-owners RX and The Vision Council. Vision Expo is the most comprehensive event for the entire Vision community, built for the industry by the industry. The only balance of conference and exhibition to learn from industry pioneers, explore cutting-edge advancements, and gain a new perspective on the future of eyewear. In the Vision Expo Exhibit Hall, eyecare providers can discover fashion trends, interact with new technologies and access innovative products and services. The Vision Expo education program is driven by the profession, offering content of the highest quality and relevance to enhance overall patient care. For more information on Vision Expo, visit  visionexpo.com and follow Vision Expo’s social media channels, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

Vision Expo images can be found HERE and new logo can be found HERE.

About The Vision Council
The Vision Council brings the power of sight to all through education, government relations, research and technical standards. A leading advocate for the optical industry, the association positions its members to deliver the eyewear and eyecare people need to look and feel their best. Vital to health, independence and safety, better vision leads to better lives. Learn more at thevisioncouncil.org. 

About RX
RX is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and organizations. With a presence in 25 countries across 42 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. For more information, visit www.rxglobal.com.