By Jean-François Venne
Vision Expo East (VEE) was back with a vengeance at the Javits Center in Manhattan from March 16 to 19. Some 425 exhibitors were on site to showcase their new products to thousands of attentive visitors.
The exhibition was split up into seven neighbourhoods on one level four of which were dedicated to frames. The Park featured the industry’s most renowned and iconic brands, while The Spring presented the work of new companies founded in the last five years. The Union (Etnia Barcelona, Lafont, Orgreen, etc.) and The Atelier (Matsuda, Garrett Leight, J.F. Rey, Anna-Karin Karlsson, etc.) both displayed trendsetting eyewear from designers.
Innovations from manufacturers of lenses, coatings, contact lenses, equipment and treatments for eye diseases were found in The Focus and Panorama neighbourhoods. The Panorama represents the latest innovation at Vision Expo. It spotlights cutting-edge technologies in the optical industry and the tech companies that have entered the industry in recent years.
Asian suppliers – which remain prominent in the industry despite U.S.-China tensions and supply issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic – were, meanwhile, gathered in the Look East neighbourhood.
Music and Awards
The now-famous rock band Bad Habits, comprised of several practicing optometrists, hosted the opening event held at the Paramount Hotel’s Sony Hall. And New York’s largest rooftop terrace, the 230 Fifth Rooftop, hosted the ODs on Facebook Fluorescene Party. Two great ways to kick off the festivities.
Visitors were expected to recover quickly from their evening, however, as VEE was again offering more than 300 hours of continuing education this year, which covered business strategies, new technologies and patient care.
Several speakers were also invited, including Jason Romero, an ultramarathon runner who became legally blind as a result of a degenerative disease. He crossed the United States on foot in 60 days, covering almost 83 km a day to reach the end of this journey of almost 5,000 km. Needless to say, he set a record! His address entitled “Challenge to Change” could be heard at The Bridge on March 18. The Bridge also hosted a series of panel discussions and lectures in the heart of the exhibition. Located in The Bridge, the Innovation Stage showcases the industry’s most ground-breaking products and services.
The VEE is also an opportunity to honour those who have distinguished themselves in the industry, most notably through the inaugural NOW Awards. Each exhibitor was invited to enter one sample of their most recent innovations in frames, lenses or lens technologies. More than 100 companies and 180 brands participated in the competition, submitting products to eight different categories. The winners were announced on March 18.
The next major industry event in the U.S. is Vision Expo West, which will be held in Las Vegas from September 27 to 30, 2023.
