Vision Expo 2026: The Ultimate Guide for What to See
Optical Innovation, Education, and Fashion, plus a Landmark 40th Anniversary Celebration
March 11–14, 2026 | Orlando, Florida
Norwalk, CT (March 5, 2026) — The optical industry's most important week of the year is here. Vision Expo, co-owned by RX and The Vision Council, returns March 11–14, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Florida.
Celebrating its landmark 40th anniversary, Vision Expo 2026 marks the debut of a single, unified annual event bringing together the entire optical community under one roof: eyecare professionals, independent boutique owners, retailers, fashion-forward designers, and the tech innovators reshaping how we see the world. Spanning four days, with 220+ hours of accredited education and more than 350 exhibitors, Vision Expo 2026 is where the industry comes to get ahead.
Consumers across optical have never been more sophisticated or more style conscious. Vision Expo 2026 is purpose-built to close that gap, giving every attendee from the independent OD to the luxury frame buyer, a clear, confident view of exactly where the market is headed.
“Product innovation is accelerating, and the industry’s newest products, services and eyewear launches will debut at Vision Expo,” said Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council. “With three new distinct stages, expanded continuing education and curated programming, the show is designed to feel focused, dynamic and highly relevant to every segment of the industry — full of must-see moments for anyone who wants to stay ahead of where optical is headed.”
Fashion, Elevated: The NOW Stage and Independent Design
Vision Expo 2026 puts fashion in focus in a way the industry hasn't seen before. The NOW Stage, debuting this year in the heart of the Eyewear area, is a dedicated platform for trend intelligence, designer storytelling, and the creative vision driving eyewear forward. Runway meets trade floor at Vision Expo with curated programming that speaks directly to boutique owners, independent retailers, and anyone whose business depends on knowing what's beautiful, functional and the next big thing in optical.
The Independent Design section of the exhibit floor celebrates the industry’s artisans, independent labels, and luxury boutique brands. This is the destination for buyers who refuse to stock what everyone else is carrying, and for practices ready to differentiate on design.
What to See:
The NOW Awards – Thursday, March 12 | 4:30–5:30 PM | NOW Stage – The NOW Awards are the industry's most coveted recognition in eyewear fashion and design innovation. This year's ceremony spotlights the designers, brands, and collections poised to set the visual agenda for the year ahead. Learn about the finalists here.
Smart Eyewear, AI and the Tech Defining the Future of Vision
From AI-powered frames and health-monitoring lenses to augmented reality wearables that blur the line between tech accessory and fashion statement, smart eyewear has crossed from concept to consumer.
Vision Expo’s Innovation Stage, located in the Eyecare area, is the show floor's dedicated arena for what's coming next. Programming here focuses on artificial intelligence, clinical advancements, and the new care delivery models that are transforming practices. The Innovation Center goes even further, featuring 20+ companies showcasing cutting-edge technology – including finalists of the prestigious VSP Vision Innovation Challenge Pitch Competition.
For eyecare providers and opticians, the message is clear: smart eyewear isn't a niche anymore. Vision Expo 2026 will show exactly how to meet patients where they already are, with a first look at some of the latest tech-enabled eyewear and devices leading the market.
What to See:
The VSP Vision Innovation Challenge Pitch Competition – Friday, March 13 | 10:30–11:30 AM, Innovation Stage – A global competition designed to source, spur, and advance early-stage startups and technologies that are elevating the eyecare experience, four finalists will present their solutions live on stage with opportunities to secure a $400,000 investment from Topcon Healthcare.
Education That Changes How You Practice
With 220+ hours of accredited continuing education beginning March 11, Vision Expo 2026 delivers a forward-looking curriculum that meets industry demands. The Vision Stage – located in the Tangerine Ballroom/Hall F with dedicated access to the exhibit floor – hosts accredited education, business programming, and major industry gatherings throughout the week.
Education, exhibits, and registration are fully integrated within OCCC West Hall C–E, so moving between learning and discovery is effortless.
What to See:
- Opticon by United Opticians Association: "Beyond the Lens: How Smart Eyewear Will Redefine Opticianry" – Thursday, March 12, 12:15–1:15 PM, Vision Stage. A forward-looking session every optician needs to hear.
- UOA College Bowl, Powered by EssilorLuxottica – Friday, March 13, 12:15–1:00 PM, Vision Stage.
Signature Events and Networking
Throughout the week, Vision Expo will host its hallmark networking events, partner programs, industry celebrations and community gatherings.
Monday, March 9 – Wednesday, March 11
- SWITCH Vision Innovation Summit by EssilorLuxottica
9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Conrad Hotel
Wednesday, March 11
- OWA Champagne Breakfast – Celebrating Women in Leadership
8:00 – 9:30 AM
Hyatt Regency - VM Leadership Summit 2026: Resilience Rising
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Chapin Theater, OCCC - Prevent Blindness “Person of Vision” Dinner
6:00 – 10:00 PM
Hyatt Regency
Thursday, March 12
- Coffee & Croissants: Networking Leaders of Independent Optical Networks (IDOC, PECAA, PERC, TEC, Optiport)
Featuring exclusive research insights from The Vision Council
8:45 – 9:45 AM
Vision Stage - OptiCon by United Opticians Association General Session: Beyond the Lens: How Smart Eyewear Will Redefine Opticianry
12:15 – 1:15 PM
Vision Stage - Indie Lab Happy Hour, Sponsored by Hoya
3:00 – 4:00 PM
Indie Lab - NOW Awards
4:30 – 5:30 PM
NOW Stage - OWA Stars Sips & Scholarship
5:30 – 7:00 PM
Hyatt Regency - The Vision Council Member Reception
6:30 – 8:00 PM
Descend21 at Hyatt Regency - Opening Night Party
8:00 PM – 12:00 AM
2nd Floor at Sports & Social, The Pointe
Friday, March 13
- 2026 VSP Vision Innovation Challenge Pitch Competition & Awards
10:30 – 11:30 AM
Innovation Stage - UOA College Bowl, Powered by EssilorLuxottica
12:15 – 1:00 PM
Vision Stage - VM’s Most Influential Women in Optical 2026
12:00 –2:00 PM
Room W414C, West Concourse, Level IV - Indie Lab Happy Hour, Sponsored by Pearle Vision
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Indie Lab - The Vision Expo Fashion Show
4:00 PM – Happy Hour
4:45 – 5:30 PM – Fashion Show Presentation
NOW Stage - 2026 Rock4Sight Charity Concert
8:00 –11:30 PM
Ole Red
Visit here for the full schedule of events.
Show Floor Featured Areas
Vision Expo 2026 expands its footprint with dedicated spaces designed to foster connection, discovery and business growth:
- Conferee Café – A French-inspired lounge with daily coffee for conference badge holders, sponsored by HOYA.
- Indie Lab Speakeasy – A collective meeting space for leading independent laboratories, with daily happy hours and a bar from 12:00-4:00 PM, sponsored by QLDS.
- Innovation Center: 20+ companies showcasing the latest in AI, smart eyewear tech, and diagnostic innovation, including the finalists of the VSP Vision Innovation Challenge.
- Meeting Zone – A dedicated space for one-on-one matchmaking and networking.
- Platinum Club – Exclusive access for million-dollar practices, media and influencers.
- TVC Bar – Daily coffee, happy hours and opportunities to connect with experts from The Vision Council’s government relations and research teams.
- The Vision Archive: A one-of-a-kind installation celebrating 40 years of Vision Expo, plus a first look at Vision Expo 2027.
For more details on all that is NEW at Vision Expo 2026, visit here.
40 Years of Vision and Industry Growth
"As we celebrate Vision Expo's 40th anniversary, we're honoring four decades of progress while bringing the entire optical ecosystem together under one roof – from students and emerging professionals to industry veterans and power players," said Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council. "Vision Expo is mission-driven. Every dollar earned is reinvested into the industry through The Vision Council, making this truly a show created by the industry, for the industry. It’s not too late to register and be part of this milestone moment.”
This milestone edition features a special anniversary installation with community-submitted photos and stories, recognition for longtime attendees, and limited-edition collectibles. A vintage eyewear display in the NOW area, curated in partnership with the Optical Heritage Museum, honors the show's history and the remarkable evolution of optical style.
Register now for the most anticipated event in vision care.
Attendee Registration
Media Registration
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 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.