Celebrating 40 Years of Vision Expo and a Unified Industry Experience
March 11–14, 2026 | Orlando, Florida

Norwalk, CT (February 24, 2026) — Vision Expo, co-owned by RX and The Vision Council, will take place as a single annual event March 11–14, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Celebrating its 40th anniversary, this milestone edition brings the entire optical community together for four days of product launches, accredited education, signature events, and future-focused innovation.

The Show kicks off on March 11, offering more than 220 hours of accredited continuing education for opticians, optometrists and industry health professionals. Education, exhibits, and programming will take place within the same hall, allowing attendees to move seamlessly between learning, discovery, and networking. The exhibit hall will run March 12–14 and feature more than 350 exhibitors, including leading eyewear designers, major vision care brands, diagnostic innovators, and emerging technology companies. There are more 100 new exhibitors to the Orlando show floor, reinforcing Vision Expo’s position as the industry’s premier launch platform.

“For four decades, Vision Expo has served as the meeting place for connection, discovery, and industry progress,” said Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council. “The show is designed to accelerate business growth, spark new partnerships, and spotlight the innovations driving the next phase of vision care. Vision Expo 2026 represents an exciting moment of momentum for our industry and remains the platform where companies come to propel this community forward.”

New for 2026: Three Show Floor Stages

For the first time, Vision Expo introduces three dedicated stages, each programmed with targeted content for distinct segments of the industry.

The NOW Stage

Dedicated to fashion, design, and trend intelligence, the NOW Stage brings the creative energy of eyewear to life.

Highlight sessions include:

• NOW Awards – Thursday, March 12 from 4:30–5:30 PM
• Trend Forecasting: Colors, Materials & What’s Next – Friday, March 13 from 11:00–11:30 AM
• Vision Expo Fashion Show – Friday, March 13 from 4:30–5:15 PM

The Innovation Stage

Focused on AI, clinical advancements, and new care delivery models, the Innovation Stage highlights transformative ideas shaping modern practice.

Highlight sessions include:

• From Burnout to Breakthrough: How AI is Giving Doctors Their Lives Back – Thursday, March 12 from 10:30–11:00 AM
• Office-Based Surgery: A Game-Changer for Optometry – Thursday, March 12 from 1:30–2:00 PM
• 2026 VSP Vision Innovation Challenge Pitch Competition & Awards – Friday, March 13 from 10:30–11:30 AM

The Vision Stage

Located within the exhibit hall with access from both the lobby and show floor, the Vision Stage will host accredited education, business programming and major industry gatherings.

Highlight sessions include:

• Bridging Cultures in Chronic Disease Eye Care: Better Conversations, Better Outcome – Thursday, March 12 from 11:15–11:45 AM
• Eyecare BOSS: A new 3-session series for COPE credit – Thursday, March 12 from 10:00–11:00 AM; Friday, March 13 from 10:00–11:00 AM and 2:45–3:45 PM
• Private Equity vs. Independently Owned – Friday, March 13 from 3:30–4:00 PM

New Program: Call for NEW

Vision Expo 2026 will showcase standout product launches and collaborations debuting at the show. Select exhibitors will receive enhanced visibility and recognition, including the opportunity to be spotlighted on multiple media tours conducted onsite.

Participating brands include:
Arrellio; Barti Software; DigitalOptometrics; Eschenbach Optik of America, Inc.; GoodVision USA; HORIZONS OPTICAL; House of Modo; HOYA Vision Care; IOT; Luminous Optical; OlleYes/Ollears; Revolution EHR; Solos Technology Ltd.; Super Optical with FastGrind; THEMA | IGREEN Hi-Tech Eyewear.

Exhibitor Live Demos

New in 2026, Vision Expo launches a curated Live Demo schedule, making it easy for attendees to plan around the most impactful in-booth demonstrations.

Demos run Thursday and Friday beginning at 10:30 AM, featuring CNC milling (Thema Optical), live edging (Coburn Technologies & Huvitz), finishing systems (DAC Vision / National Optronics), portable manufacturing (GoodVision USA), and in-office lens production (SuperOptical). Afternoon sessions highlight practice management software (Ocuco), personalized lens technology (Horizons Optical), and professional color consultations from Thema Optical. Saturday demos run 10:00 AM–1:00 PM with select companies.

Taking place in each vendor booth, these demos deliver hands-on insight, practical takeaways, and an up-close look at the technology shaping the future of the industry.

The Education Experience Reimagined

This year’s Vision Expo debuts a simplified registration model, allowing attendees to register for a single day or unlimited access and attend sessions without pre-selecting courses.

New in 2026:

• Ten exclusive, hands-on courses designed for immediate real-world application
• Expanded business, retail strategy, and digital health content
• Accredited education spanning optometry, opticianry, allied health, and practice management

Student Engagement

Students can participate in the Eyes on Eyecare interactive scavenger hunt on the show floor to collect exclusive swag and enter for a cash prize drawing, taking place:

• Friday from 2:00–4:00 PM
• Saturday from 11:00 AM–1:00 PM

For more info visit here.

Signature Events and Networking

Throughout the week, Vision Expo will host its hallmark networking events, partner programs, industry celebrations and community gatherings.

View the full schedule of events here.

Celebrating 40 Years

To commemorate four decades of industry impact, Vision Expo 2026 will feature a dedicated anniversary installation showcasing community-submitted photos and stories, special recognition for long-time attendees and exclusive 40th anniversary collectibles.

In partnership with the Optical Heritage Museum, a Vintage eyewear display will be showcased in the NOW area, celebrating Vision Expo’s vibrant history and the evolution of the optical industry.

Register now for the most anticipated event in vision care.

Attendee Registration
Exhibitor Registration
Media Registration

For more information and updates, visit www.visionexpo.com.

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Media Contacts:

Emily Rocca

Marketing Director

[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.

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.