Dynamic New Innovation Stage Programming Announced For Vision Expo West 2023

Alexandria, VA – September 12, 2023 – The Vision Council and RX, co-organizers of Vision Expo, have shared the line-up of events scheduled to take place on the Innovation Stage at Vision Expo West 2023, happening September 27-30, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada. To register for Vision Expo West, click here.

The Innovation Stage, Vision Expo West’s main stage destination located on the exhibit floor, will host a rich schedule of special events, panels, and presentations for 2023. Highlights include:

  • A lively conversation about the impacts of ChatGPT in the vision care sector.
  • A panel about the emerging business and sale of over-the-counter hearing aids.
  • A discussion focused on addressing racial disparities within eyecare.
  • The OptiCon General Session, sponsored by EssilorLuxottica, featuring an inspirational conversation with Rebecca Alexander, LCSW-R, MPH, who has been losing both her vision and hearing due to Usher Syndrome (type 3) since adolescence.
  • The debut of EYEnovate, a pilot program at Vision Expo West dedicated to exploring the bleeding edge of advancements in eyecare technology and more.  

EYEnovate will feature 15-minute talks by leaders in their respective fields, showcasing the latest breakthroughs in automation, artificial intelligence, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, VR/AR, and other emerging technologies. A panel of industry leaders including Ashley Mills, Chief Executive Officer of The Vision Council, James Rosin, Co-President of Rosin Optical Co., and Susy Yu, OD, MBA, FAAO, Director of Business Strategy and Operations Support for Vision Essentials by Kaiser Permanente Southern California Permanente Medical Group, will judge all EYEnovate presentations and select one participant to receive the first-ever Ocular Horizons Award, which will be announced on Friday, September 29.

“We are thrilled to share this year’s lineup of programming taking place at Vision Expo West,” said Fran Pennella, Vice President, Vision Expo, RX, co-owner of Vision Expo. “Year over year, the Innovation Stage becomes an energetic gathering place on the exhibit floor where attendees can connect with peers and learn from industry experts. With the addition of the EYEnovate sessions for 2023, attendees will also have a chance to peek behind the curtain and get a first look at some of our industry’s most anticipated technologies and innovations.”

“From a dynamic conversation about how technology and ChatGPT will affect the future of our industry, to discussions about what’s new and next in healthcare, Vision Expo West’s line-up of speakers and panelists is bound to engage attendees and spark discussion,” said Mitch Barkley, Vice President of Trade Shows and Events at The Vision Council, co-organizer of Vision Expo. “We encourage all Vision Expo West attendees to explore the variety of new technologies and products on the exhibit floor and learn about the “why” behind it all at the Innovation Stage.”

Event highlights are included below. Event schedule is subject to change. Check Vision Expo’s website or mobile app for the most up-to-date schedule.  

Thursday, September 28

9:45 AM     EYEnovate sessions - InflammX, Uptime Health, EYE-GO, and Myoptechs

11:15 AM    Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Sales - What ECPs Need To Know

12:30 PM    OptiCon General Session: A Conversation with Rebecca Alexander, LCSW-R, MPH – Sponsored by EssilorLuxottica

2:00 PM    Amniotic Membrane in Optometric Practice - Presented by Ophthalogix

2:45 PM    Vision Care in the Age of ChatGPT

4:45 PM    Between Two Lanes: The OMD-OD Edition

Friday, September 29

9:45 AM    EYEnovate sessions - Topology, Yolia Health, Silk Tears, and VisionWEARx

11:00 AM    Clarity That Lasts – Presented by Hoya Vision Care

11:45 AM    The Culture Calculation: Data-Backed Behaviors for Contact Lens Success

12:30 PM    ABO-NCLE Patient Choice Awards: Recognizing an Optician and/or Contact Lens Technician for their passion, specialized knowledge and technical skills that have provided life-changing care to their patients.

2:45 PM    Advances in AI and Diagnosis for BIPOC Populations

3:30 PM    Complimentary Sparkling Wine and Open Networking Hours in the Attendee Lounge

Saturday, September 30

9:30 AM    Career Zone open all day

For the full schedule of Innovation Stage events, reference the Special Events page on Vision Expo’s website, filterable by date and location, here.  Schedule is subject to change. On-site, attendees are encouraged to reference the Vision Expo mobile app for the most up-to-date schedule.  

Vision Expo West 2023 will take place at The Venetian Convention Center & Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada from September 27 - 30, 2023. The Show’s educational program, together with OptiCon® @ Vision Expo, will open Wednesday, Sept. 27 and exhibits will open Thursday, Sept. 28. To register for Vision Expo West 2023, click here.