Norwalk, CT (January 12, 2012) – International Vision Expo & Conference has just announced a handful of new programs for ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians at Vision Expo East, held March 22-25, 2012 (Education: March 22-25, Exhibition: March 23-25) at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City.
New this year, continuing education will be located on Level 1, the same level as the Lenses & Processing Technology, Medical & Scientific and Low Vision Pavilions, as a result of the ongoing Javits Center renovation project. ODs are invited to relax and enjoy networking in the all new Optometry Club, which will also be located on Level 1. The Club offers many amenities, including a food stand, and will play host to a student luncheon on Friday, Doctorfest networking events on Friday and Saturday from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m, and a special Job Search Meet and Greet breakfast on Saturday from 8:00 – 9:30 a.m.
On Friday, March 23, panelists Jay Gibb, ABOC, Paul Michelson, MD, and Justin Bazon, OD, will join moderator Stephanie DeLong, Editor-in-Chief, Eyecare Business Magazine, for an engaging and informative Ultraviolet (UV) Symposium hosted by the Better Vision Institute. Developed with the three Os in mind, the two-hour panel will explore the effects of UV damage, solutions to guard against exposure, and ways to deliver the UV protection message to patients and the community.
In addition to offering a valuable place to network and share ideas with other professionals, Vision Expos’ extensive educational seminars help attendees learn new concepts and broaden their horizons. “I’ve taken CE at Vision Expo West for nine years and find the quality and variety of education to be excellent. I like to have the choice of medical/clinical-based optometry and business management classes at the same venue,” said Tim W. James, OD, Ken-Caryl Vision Center, Littleton, CO. “A big draw for me to be at Vision Expo East is to take CE from speakers who don’t generally present on the West Coast, and of course, to take in the excitement and entertainment you find only in the Big Apple.”
The Conference Advisory Board has worked with specialty optical groups, including the Optometric Retina Society, the Optometric Council on Refractive Technology, and the Optometric Nutrition Society, to put together a full program featuring sought-after speakers from a variety of fields. Boasting more than 325 hours of continuing education, the program has been divided into five areas of interest – Allied Health, Business Solutions, Clinical, Contact Lenses and Optical Technology – to make it easier for conferees to create personalized education strategies and practice to the fullest extent of their license.
International Vision Expo & Conference continues to be the only show to present more than 60 hours of exclusive, business focused education courses for the optical profession, such as Visionomics™, Boot Camps and E-technology, Frame Buyers Certificate, and Social Media and Internet Marketing. Back by popular demand, these courses are designed to help professionals manage the business end of their practice while increasing efficiency, improving practice management, and providing comprehensive and engaging patient care.
In conjunction with Optometry Board Certified, attendees can select from 20 hours of review courses specifically designed to prepare optometrists for the Board Certification Exam. The 2012 conference program also brings back the acclaimed Management & Business Academy™ (MBA), which includes two-three hour modules: one dedicated to financials and private practice benchmarks and the second focuses on marketing and merchandising. This successful program is sponsored by Essilor and CIBA, and endorsed by the American Optometric Association (AOA).
For many attendees, Vision Expo also provides the best place to learn about, source, and test drive new products and technologies. “Vision Expo East is a truly unique experience and networking opportunity,” said Kim-Chi Pham, OD, Modern Eyes Optometry, Virginia Beach, VA. “We feel strongly about bringing the best to our patients and this unique show allows us to view it all through so many different platforms, which keeps us intrigued and interested year after year.” She added, “There is something for everyone, every budget, even celebrity encounters! We come to buy, learn and be amazed – Vision Expo East never disappoints.”
To register and learn more about the 2012 conference program, visit www.visionexpoeast.com/Education.
International Vision Expos, the worldwide conference and exhibition for eye care and eyewear, are trade-only events which draw more than 30,000 eye care professionals each year. Co-owned by Reed Exhibitions and The Vision Council, International Vision Expo gives back to the entire ophthalmic community. Proceeds from International Vision Expo are used by The Vision Council to educate consumers about the importance of vision care and the options in eyewear and other related products. In 2011, The Vision Council reached millions of consumers with its messages through marketing materials, public relations outreach and strategic partnerships.