Vision Expo Expands the NOW Awards to Celebrate Global Eyewear Innovation Beyond the Show Floor
Designers and brands worldwide are invited to submit their most visionary eyewear creations for the 2026 NOW Awards
Norwalk, CT (November 12, 2025) – Vision Expo, organized by The Vision Council and RX, proudly announces the 4th installment of the NOW Awards. Presented in partnership with the Accessories Council, this year’s Awards are expanding beyond the Vision Expo show floor and invites all members of the global eyewear community to participate in this celebration of innovation, artistry, and storytelling. Exhibition at Vision Expo is not required.
This exciting development reflects Vision Expo’s commitment to fostering creativity and connection across every corner of the eyewear world. From established houses to independent designers making their U.S. debut, the NOW Awards provide a unified platform to showcase visionary design and innovation that defines what’s next in eyewear.
A Global Stage for Design Excellence
A judging committee of influential leaders across design, retail, education and fashion will evaluate submissions. The 2026 NOW Awards judges include Gary Black, founder of Black Optical; Christian Roth and Eric Domege of Christian Roth Eyewear and the CFDA; Selima Salaun, designer and owner of Selima Optique; Victor Sanz, creative director of TUMI; Bob Schulze, owner of Globe Design and Vision; Dr. Jennifer Tsai of Line of Sight; and Jeneene Allen, founder and fashion educator at ASGNMT.
“The idea behind NOW has always been to create a space where creativity leads,” said Nico Roseillier, Creator and Director of NOW by Vision Expo. “By opening the NOW Awards to the entire industry, we’re giving every designer, no matter where they are, the chance to showcase their work in a deeply meaningful way. This is about celebrating the global language of design.”
Award Categories
The NOW Awards recognize excellence across multiple categories celebrating both established and emerging talent. Entries will be evaluated across the following categories.
Categories include:
- Best Sunglass (Independent & Branded)
- Best Optical (Independent & Branded)
- Best Direct to Consumer
- Optical Achievement
- Best Emerging Brand
- Ultimate Accessory, presented by the Accessories Council
Call for Submissions
Submissions for the 2026 NOW Awards are now open here, and designers, brands, and creators from around the world are encouraged to enter. Entries will close on February 9 and product must be received by February 16.
Vision Expo 2026: The Premiere Hub for Eyewear and Eyecare Innovation
Vision Expo 2026 will take place March 11–14, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The event remains the premier destination for the global vision community to connect, discover, and be inspired by the latest trends, technology, and education in eyecare and eyewear.
To reserve exhibit booth space or learn about sponsorship opportunities, contact Kristin Cammarata, Sales Director, at [email protected].
For speaking opportunities at Vision Expo events, visit here.
For more information and updates, visit www.visionexpo.com.
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Media Contacts:
Emily Rocca
Marketing Director
Jen Cullen Williams
Public Relations
About Vision Expo
Vision Expo East and West are trade-only conferences and exhibitions 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.