Global Optical Community Looks Ahead to Vision Expo 2027 in Las Vegas

Norwalk, CT (March 23, 2026) — The optical industry’s most important gathering wrapped with strong momentum as Vision Expo 2026 concluded its milestone event at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Florida. Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the show marked the debut of a single, unified annual Vision Expo, bringing together the global optical community for four days of business, education and innovation.

Co-owned by RX and The Vision Council, Vision Expo took place March 11–14, 2026, welcoming more than 8,000 industry professionals from 92 countries and all 50 states. The event also delivered more than 220 hours of accredited education, equipping professionals with the insights and skills needed to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market. Conference participation grew significantly, with education attendance increasing 17% year-over-year, reflecting strong demand for professional development across the industry.

Participation in the Platinum Club program, which supports multimillion-dollar practices and retailers, expanded to more than 700 participants, up from 600 previously, further reinforcing Vision Expo’s role as a premier marketplace for meaningful business connections.

Celebrating four decades of industry leadership, Vision Expo 2026 brought together the full optical ecosystem—from eyecare professionals and independent boutique owners to retailers, designers, media, influencers and technology innovators. Throughout the week, attendees explored the latest technologies, product launches, trends and emerging talent shaping the future of eyewear and eyecare. The show floor spanned 115,000 square feet and featured a refreshed layout designed to encourage exploration, discovery and connection among more than 350 exhibitors.

“Vision Expo is unique because it is the only event that brings the full spectrum of the optical industry together, from the medical and clinical side of vision care to the latest breakthroughs in AI and technology, and pharmaceuticals, alongside the creativity of fashion, design and retail,” said Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council. “In Orlando, we saw global brands, innovative startups, independent designers and private label leaders all under one roof, shaping the future of vision. The energy and engagement throughout the week reaffirm just how important this event is for connecting the many facets of our industry.”

Show Floor Highlights

Vision Expo 2026 delivered an energized show floor experience, combining business opportunity with creativity and community. From beautifully designed booths and DJ-driven lounges to curated discovery zones, the event created an atmosphere that balanced innovation, fashion and networking. Notable celebrity appearances included Coco Dotson and Breezy Dotson, who debuted their new collection, Coco & Breezy Eyewear, at Europa Eyewear, as well as Jordan Stolz, the American speed skating phenomenon and most decorated U.S. athlete of the 2026 Winter Olympics, who appeared at EssilorLuxottica with Oakley.

Fashion was in focus with the debut of the NOW Stage, a dynamic space in the heart of the Eyewear area spotlighting trend intelligence, designer storytelling and the creative forces shaping eyewear style. Stage sessions explored the evolution of trends and what comes next for eyewear, and examined what patients want when shopping for glasses, backed by The Vision Council’s inSights Research.

The area also featured the NOW Trends Exhibit, spotlighting a curated collection of frames and accessories pushing the boundaries of design, craftsmanship and function across eyewear. Nearby, the redesigned Independent Design section highlighted artisans, emerging labels and luxury boutique brands. The destination attracted buyers searching for distinctive collections and practices looking to differentiate through unique design.

Across the show floor, exhibitors enhanced the experience with interactive activations, hands-on demos and immersive brand moments that drew attendees into their booths. At Bajío, guests lined up for playful touches like tattoos and haircuts, while Eyenavision and Chemistrie captivated crowds with iris photography. Thema blended personalization and technology through live color analysis and a 3D configurator demo, showcasing how millions of custom frame combinations can be created in real time. Solos Technology showcased its AI-powered smartglasses, inviting attendees to engage features simply by saying “Hey Solos,” while fashion-forward moments unfolded at the Safilo booth with a vibrant Kurt Geiger eyewear presentation. From VR-driven lens experiences and assistive tech demos to purpose-driven initiatives like the GoodVision Alliance, these activations transformed the exhibit hall into a dynamic environment that balanced discovery, education and entertainment.

Vision Expo’s Innovation Stage, located in the Eyecare area, served as a destination for forward-looking technology and clinical advancements. Sessions explored artificial intelligence, emerging care delivery models and innovations transforming optical practices. The Innovation Center expanded the experience further, featuring more than 20 companies showcasing cutting-edge technologies, including finalists from the VSP Vision Innovation Challenge.

With more than 220 hours of accredited continuing education, Vision Expo 2026 delivered a forward-thinking curriculum designed to support the evolving demands of the profession. The Vision Stage hosted accredited sessions, business programming and major industry gatherings throughout the week. Standout sessions included the OptiCon General Session, which focused on how smart eyewear will impact the future of opticianry, and the UOA College Bowl, powered by EssilorLuxottica, which drew crowds to see students go head-to-head in a trivia challenge testing their optical expertise.

Awards Presented at Vision Expo

The NOW Awards

The winners of the NOW Awards by Vision Expo were announced during a ceremony on March 12 on the NOW Stage, celebrating forward-thinking eyewear design and the creative talent shaping the global optical industry.

• Best Optical Style – Independent: Silhouette Atelier
• Best Optical Style – Licensed: RACHEL Rachel Roy by A&A Optical
• Best Sun Style – Independent: Paloceras
• Best Sun Style – Licensed: Alain Mikli by EssilorLuxottica
• Best Emerging Brand: PRESS Eyewear
• Best Direct-to-Consumer Brand: CEV Collection
• The Ultimate Accessory, presented in partnership with the Accessories Council: COTI

Vision Expo Eyewear Fashion Show

The Vision Expo Eyewear Fashion Show took place Friday, March 13, bringing runway energy to the exhibit floor with models showcasing frames inspired by emerging trends. Participating brands included Bajío Sunglasses; KEEKS Eyewear; Lucyd; from Safilo – Etro, Kurt Geiger, and Victoria Beckham; and from VSP Vision – Calvin Klein, Kendra Scott, and Longchamp.

At the conclusion of the catwalk presentation, attendees voted for their favorite participating brand’s designs and selected KEEKS Eyewear as the 2026 Visionary Winner.

VSP Vision Innovation Challenge

Vision Expo and VSP Vision also announced the winners of the 2026 VSP Vision Innovation Challenge during a live presentation on March 13 at the Innovation Stage.

Following an intensive four-week startup bootcamp and live pitches from four high-growth companies, Altris AI, a clinical-grade SaaS platform serving as a “second set of eyes” for eyecare specialists, was named the Judge’s Winner, recognized for its clinical impact, technological sophistication and potential to transform the eyecare experience.

The Audience Choice Award, voted on by Vision Expo attendees, was presented to Captify, a prescription-ready, AI-enabled smart eyewear that provides real-time captioning for patients with hearing loss.

Networking and Community Experiences

Throughout the week, Vision Expo hosted its signature networking events, partner programs and industry celebrations designed to foster meaningful connections across the optical community.

This milestone edition featured a special 40th anniversary installation showcasing community-submitted photos and stories, recognition for longtime attendees and limited-edition commemorative collectibles. A vintage eyewear display, curated in partnership with the Optical Heritage Museum and presented in the NOW area, highlighted the evolution of eyewear design and optical style over the past four decades.

Attendee and Exhibitor Reactions

“Quite possibly the most efficient way to pack in checking out the latest eyewear, staying up to date on the newest tech and networking with the best in the business. Can’t wait for the next Vision Expo!” – Dr. Sophia Visanji

“Vision Expo is always more than just a trade show for me. It’s a chance to reconnect with the incredible people who make our industry what it is. From friends and colleagues to mentors and business partners, it’s the people that inspire innovation and push optometry forward. If you’re in eyecare, you don’t want to miss the next events.” – Dr. Angelica Cifuentes

“You do not predict the future of eyewear by standing back. You find it at Vision Expo!” – Eyewear image expert, Wendy Buchanan

“Vision Expo put the fun in learning, engaging and networking.” – Dr. Shaminder Dhaliwal

"Coburn Technologies delivered a strong performance at Vision Expo 2026 in Orlando, achieving one of its most successful trade show outcomes in recent years. Engagement from Latin American customers was especially robust, and the event facilitated productive meetings with several important long-term partners." - Alex Incera, President, Coburn Technologies, Inc.

“Cazal, Caviar, and Goliath had a strong showing at Vision Expo, with steady booth traffic and meaningful engagement from both new and existing customers. We generated a solid number of high-quality leads and saw great interest in the collections. Overall, it was a productive show that created valuable opportunities for continued growth.” –  Palm Optical

Looking Ahead: Vision Expo 2027

Vision Expo will return March 10–13, 2027, at The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada, where the global optical community will once again gather to explore the future of vision care, eyewear design and optical technology.

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

Visit here for images from Vision Expo 2026. 

###

Media Contacts:

Emily Rocca, Vision Expo 

Marketing Director

[email protected] 

Jen Cullen Williams, Vision Expo 

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.