Vision Expo East Announces Career Resources, Education and Networking for Students and Young Professionals

Vision Expo, the definitive event for eyecare providers, announced details on the special events and programming designed for students and young professionals that includes career resources, education and networking opportunities to be offered at Vision Expo East 2020.

Following its successful 2019 debut, the Career Zone will return to Vision Expo East on Level One, adjacent to the Lens & Processing neighborhood. The Career Zone will serve as a hub for students and young professionals to connect with corporate optical companies and explore career resources. Exhibitors in the Career Zone include Keplr Vision, Luxottica, National Vision, PentaVision and Walmart.

"The Career Zone offers students and young professional unparalleled access to valuable resources and high-profile companies in an environment that encourages honest dialogue and the exploration of different career pathways,” said Fran Pennella, event vice president at Reed Exhibitions. "Every exhibitor in the Career Zone is eager to aid and support the next generation of eyecare providers.”  

Vision Expo offers students exclusive registration benefits including free Exhibit Hall admission and unlimited access to education. This year’s education offerings provide students a diverse selection of courses with topics ranging from glaucoma to leadership. All students are invited to audit any education session at Vision Expo East, if seats are available. Students are asked to arrive 10 minutes prior to the session start time and if there are seats available at the beginning of the session, students are welcome to sit in. Sessions suggested for students include:

• A Roadmap for Making the Diagnosis in Glaucoma
  Friday, March 27; 7:15 a.m.-9:15 a.m.
  Speakers: Michael Chaglasian, OD, FAAO; Danica Marrelli, OD, FAAO
• Advances in Ocular Surface Disease: Treating Dry Eye
  Friday, March 27; 2:45 p.m.-4:45 p.m.
  Speakers: Laura Periman, MD; Paul Karpecki, OD; Jack Schaeffer, OD
• AMD Current Science and Trends in Diagnosis and Treatment
  Saturday, March 28; 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m.
  Speaker: Jeffry Gerson, OD
• How To Become the Best Leader to Make Your Team Smarter
  Friday March 27; 8:15 a.m.-9:15 a.m.
  Speaker: Josh Johnston, OD
• Five Guaranteed Ways to Improve Hiring, Build Strong Culture and Retain Staff for Years
  Friday, March 27; 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
  Speaker: Matthew Geller, OD
• Learning the Critical Building Blocks for Your Business
  Friday, March 27; 2:45 p.m.-4:45 p.m.
  Speaker: Jay Binkowitz

Returning to the Show this year, OptiCon @ Vision Expo will host multiple educational and networking events including an exclusive general session, welcome event and special programs in the OptiCon @ Vision Expo Hub. After a successful debut year, OptiCon @ Vision Expo, The National Federation of Opticianry Schools (NFOS) and HOYA Vision Care will present the NFOS Hoya College Bowl. During this Jeopardy-style competition, students are quizzed on topics including anatomy and physiology of the eye, ophthalmic dispensing and ophthalmic fabrication for the chance to win $500. Prior to the event, the OptiCon @ Vision Expo Hub will host a pre-game celebration.

Additionally, the new Passport Program will offer students and young professionals the opportunity to meet exhibitors in the Career Zone throughout the day. Passports will be included with each badge and can be stamped for a chance to win $500.

New this year, National Vision and CovalentCareers will host a special event at Lucky Strike Bowling Alley for students and young professionals on Saturday, March 28 from 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. The event will offer attendees the chance to network with colleagues and peers over games, food, music and drinks. To attend the event, attendees can reserve their spot here.

On Friday, March 27, the Career Zone will host the Optometry Career Paths Executive Leaders Panel from 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.  During the panel, Matt Geller, OD, will sit down with some of the most influential leaders in the industry to reflect on the forces that are shaping optometry in 2020.

If your institution is interested in offering discounts on exhibit hall access and education to alumni, contact Matthias Clock at mclock@reedexpo.com.