Vision Expo 2026 Marks 40 Years with Unified Annual Event in Orlando
Tuesday, February 24 2026 | 13 h 43 min | News
Vision Expo will return March 11–14, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, marking the event’s 40th anniversary and its first edition as a single annual show.
Co-owned by RX and The Vision Council, the 2026 edition is positioned as a unified industry gathering, bringing together opticians, optometrists, allied health professionals and suppliers for four days of education, product launches and networking.
More than 220 hours of accredited continuing education will begin March 11, with exhibits running March 12–14. Organizers report that more than 350 exhibitors are confirmed, including over 100 new companies participating on the Orlando show floor. Education sessions, exhibits and programming will take place within the same hall to facilitate movement between learning and product discovery.
Three Themed Stages Debut in 2026
A new feature for 2026 is the introduction of three dedicated show floor stages.
The NOW Stage will focus on fashion, design and trend intelligence, including the NOW Awards, a trend forecasting session and the Vision Expo Fashion Show.
The Innovation Stage will spotlight clinical advances, artificial intelligence and evolving care delivery models. Sessions include programming on AI in practice, office-based surgery and the 2026 VSP Vision Innovation Challenge pitch competition.
The Vision Stage, located within the exhibit hall, will host accredited education, business programming and industry discussions. Sessions include cultural considerations in chronic eye disease care, a new Eyecare BOSS COPE-accredited series, and a discussion on private equity versus independent practice ownership.
Product Launches and Live Demonstrations
The 2026 edition will also feature the “Call for NEW” program, highlighting product launches and collaborations debuting at the show. Participating brands span practice management software, lens technology, optical manufacturing and eyewear design.
Organizers are also introducing a curated Live Demo schedule, with in-booth demonstrations taking place Thursday through Saturday. Technologies on display will include CNC milling, lens edging and finishing systems, in-office lens production, practice management platforms and personalized lens technologies.
Education and Student Programming
Vision Expo 2026 introduces a simplified registration model, allowing attendees to choose single-day or unlimited access without pre-selecting courses. New programming includes hands-on workshops, expanded business content and accredited sessions across optometry, opticianry and practice management.
Students will have the opportunity to participate in an interactive show floor scavenger hunt, with prizes awarded on Friday and Saturday.
Anniversary Programming
To commemorate its 40th anniversary, Vision Expo will feature a dedicated installation highlighting community-submitted photos and stories, recognition for long-time attendees and limited-edition collectibles. A vintage eyewear display, presented in partnership with the Optical Heritage Museum, will also showcase historical frames within the NOW area.
Additional details, including registration information and the full event schedule, are available on the Vision Expo website.
Source: Vision Expo
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