Norwalk, CT (February 15, 2012) – International Vision Expo & Conference, to be held March 22-25, 2012 (Education: March 22-25, Exhibition: March 23-25) at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York, is pleased to offer expanded programming for students of optometry.
“International Vision Expo East gives optometry students an opportunity to learn and connect with the vision field outside of the classroom,” said Tom Loughran, vice president for Reed Exhibitions. “During the program’s second year at Vision Expo East, students from every optometry school in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico will attend programming geared toward networking, practice management and achieving success.”
Optometry students will receive free exhibit hall registration as well as access to more than 250 hours of continuing education courses free of charge. On Saturday, March 24 and Sunday, March 25, speakers Gina Wesley, OD, MS, FAAO, of Complete Eye Care in Medina, Minnesota; Dr. Hanaa Habishi, of Eyes of Oak Leaf; and Justin Bazan, OD of Park Slope Eye will lead sessions solely for students on starting a practice, implementing marketing strategies and using social media to help a practice stand out.
Throughout International Vision Expo East, students are encouraged to mix and mingle with peers through complimentary events and luncheons. Additionally, there will be an exclusive Friday night party at the Library Bar in The Paramount Hotel to further networking connections.
“Not only do these events provide a wealth of information for professionals in optometry, they also allow for the development of mutual relationships that ultimately lead to a more dynamic and increasingly networked optometric community,” said Steven Abraham, travel grant recipient and student at the New England College of Optometry.
Twelve students of official AOSA schools of optometry were awarded a $1,000 travel grant to attend International Vision Expo East 2012. Travel grant applicants submitted a 500 word essay describing their plans for five to ten years post-graduation and the impact trade shows and conferences have in achieving their goals. Winning applicants will participate in a Student Focus Group on Sunday, March 25 from 1:30 - 2:30 pm to assist International Vision Expo in understanding the needs of students and Young ODs. International Vision Expo will also offer five Opticianry students an opportunity to receive a travel grant to attend. The recipients will be announced in late February.
Additionally, 25 winners of the hotel room giveaway were announced. Winners, representing 19 colleges of optometry, will be awarded a two-night stay at The Paramount Hotel during International Vision Expo East. To view a complete list of travel grant and hotel room winners, visit http://www.visionexpoeast.com/For-Attendees/Optometry-Students/.
For the first time, Presidents and Presidents-elect from the Student Optometry Leadership Network’s (SOLN) private practice clubs will be hosted to attend the conference and participate in a SOLN planning meeting. International Vision Expo & Conference works in partnership with SOLN, New O.D. magazineand theAmerican Optometric Association to promote student programs available throughout the year.
For more information, visit http://visionexpoeast.com/For-Attendees/Optometry-Students/.
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.