Technology, education, fashion spark 20th anniversary Vision Expo West

Key Points

Las Vegas-International Vision Expo West (VEW), a leading educational forum and new-product showcase destination for the eye-care community, marks its 20th anniversary in 2008. Held once again at the Sands Expo and Convention Center, the education conference will run from Oct. 2 to 6 and the exhibition hall will be open Oct. 3 to 5.

Uniquely defining the platinum anniversary version of VEW are an enhanced continuing education (CE) curriculum and exhibit hall updates.

The Glaucoma Certificate Program offers eye-care professionals an in-depth look at the diagnosis, treatment, and management of glaucoma. The Leadership Academy (Sunday, Oct. 5) is an opportunity for all levels of management within the eye care and eyewear industry to learn and enhance the skills needed to manage their teams and businesses more successfully. Oct. 6 will be Free CE Monday, when a total of 8 hours of CE will be offered at no cost-4 CE hours for ophthalmologists and optometrists and 4 CE hours for opticians, para-optometrics, and staff.

On the exhibit hall floor, discover the best eye care and eyewear innovations, fashions, trends, and technology available from more than 500 exhibiting companies. Of those exhibitors, 78 companies have been part of VEW since its inception 20 years ago.

The updated Galleria is designed to promote a more upscale, fashion-forward feel. Located in the front of the show floor, the Galleria offers ECPs a variety of high-end fashion frames and edgy, new styles from more than 70 exhibitors. The Galleria will have a dedicated entrance, easily identifiable for attendees. Inside, the Galleria will have a centrally located lounge as well as seating areas throughout the space. Exhibitors in the Galleria will have standard booth sizes to create a clean look.

An extravaganza of hourly prizes will be offered on Super Sunday. Attendees could win a 2-year lease on a Toyota Prius, a trip to Cabo San Lucas, tickets to Super Bowl XLIII, the Masters At Augusta National, show floor shopping sprees, and much more.

To help attendees navigate the show floor, eight locator systems will be positioned around the exhibit hall with interactive maps. Additionally, four customer care counters will be located on the exhibit hall floor to answer questions.

For more information about International Vision Expo West 2008, go to http://www.visionexpowest.com/.