LAS VEGAS—This year’s International Vision Expo West is being billed by show organizers as an opportunity for ECPs to Discover, Network, Learn and Save. With more than 180,000 square feet of exhibit floor space, which is 7,000 square feet bigger than last year’s event, and 350 hours of Continuing Education for every role and experience level, show organizers continue to enhance the Expo experience.

The timing of Expo West is four weeks earlier this year to accommodate religious holidays and availability at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas, according to show organizers. The Education portion runs from Sept. 5 to 8 and Exhibitions are Sept. 6 to 8.

“The International Vision Expo & Conference team constantly looks for ways to enhance the attendee experience at our show,” said Tom Loughran, vice president for Reed Exhibitions. “This year we’ve enhanced a variety of programs and events to do just that—from our concerted effort to collect and promote exhibitors’ show specials, to additional networking opportunities and parties, to expanding the number of travel and entertainment discounts offered.”

More than 475 exhibitors will be showcasing their wares in an unprecedented scope of leading-edge diagnostic and medical equipment, innovative lens and processing technology, pharmaceuticals, and of course the latest in eyewear and accessories.

On the continuing education front, the Conference Program once again includes some returning favorites as well as new course curriculum. “We’ve worked closely with our Conference Advisory Board to build out our conference program with new continuing education sessions like Government Regulations and Sales U to help organizations’ stay abreast of the latest requirements and hone their skills in this turbulent economy,” Loughran said.

The 2012 Conference Program features more than 350 hours of Continuing Education for every role and experience level, focused on core competencies—disease diagnosis, treatment and management; clinical application of products; and healthy business solutions. Informative classroom instruction connects to hands-on knowledge at the expansive exhibits, allowing attendees to compare and source the most products and trends in one place.

Following are some of the highlights from this year’s education program:

Clinical/Medical: 203 hours of content. From diagnosis and treatment of disease to contact lenses, pharmacology, neurology, and nutrients offers attendees insight and best practices from leading clinicians that will enable you to practice to the fullest extent of your license.

Business Solutions: 102 hours specific to managing the business end of a practice. Increase efficiency, improve practice management, and provide comprehensive and engaging patient care.

Board Certification Review: A unique curriculum design and teaching method to foster clinical problem-solving. Includes comprehensive preparation for the Board Certification Exam for all optometrists with an emphasis on how to prepare and study for the exam featuring proven test-taking strategies.

Visionomics: Financial strategies for your practice. 19 hours of content focused on tips for assessing and maximizing the profits and profitability of a practice in any economy.

Nutraceuticals: One of the most asked questions in optometry today is “what nutraceutical do I prescribe for each unique condition?” Get looped in to the use of nutraceuticals for dry eye, AMD, diabetes and general health.

Glaucoma Courses: Select from an increased number of hours in glaucoma diagnosis and treatment to meet the new California license requirements.

Three new additions to Expo West CE program include:

Melton and Thomas: Clinical CE delivered by the two most sought after thought leaders in the Optical community—Ron Melton and Randall Thomas, OD, MPH. Sessions include: On Call with Melton and Thomas, Glaucoma Grand Rounds, and a three- hour power session: Melton and Thomas Treatment Guidelines. Register early to secure a seat in these sure to be sold out courses.

UV Symposium: An engaging and informative 2 hour 3-O panel will explore the effects of UV damage, product solutions to guard against exposure, and ways to get the UV protection message to your patients and community.

New Government Regulations: There are several new “mandatory” programs that involve both incentives and penalties, Electronic Health Records, PQRS, e-prescribing and coding compliance. Get the most up to the minute requirements and updates.

Vision Expo is where the entire Ophthalmic profession gathers offering a total experience. Meet potential new business partners from more than 80 countries around the world at the following events:

Doctorfest
Thursday, September 6
5:00 – 6:00 pm
Medical & Scientific Theater (Booth 4121)
Attendees are invited to come relax on the show floor and enjoy complimentary cocktails while networking with their peers.

Opening Night Kick-Off Party
Thursday, September 6
10:30 – 11:30 pm
TAO Nightclub
For those craving a high energy, DJ driven atmosphere, TAO boasts a 40-foot-long outside terrace with stunning views of the Las Vegas Strip. Attendees and exhibitors are invited to kick-off the show with an opening night party at TAO Nightclub. Guests who present their show badge and ID will receive complimentary admission all night and one-hour of open bar from 10:30 – 11:30 pm.

Job Search Meet & Greet
Friday, September 7
5:00 – 6:00 pm
Medical & Scientific Theater (Booth 4121)
Experts available to discuss career opportunities for eyecare professionals and showcase Vision Expo’s jobs portal, Vision Jobs, powered by Local Eye Site. Career seekers should bring their resume and businesses looking to hire should bring business cards. RSVP at http://www.visionexpowest.com/Job-Search-Meet-Greet/

OD’s on Facebook Party
Friday, September 7
6:00 – 7:00 pm
LAVO Nightclub
Sponsored by Europa & Cinzia, Vision Expo teamed with Dr. Alan Glazier, founder of ODs on Facebook, to host an event open ODs. Grab a drink and make that in-person connection. Follow Vision Expo at facebook.com/visionexpo and join the ODs on Facebook group at http://on.fb.me/ODsonFacebook.

For more information on travel discounts and show specials visit www.visionexpowest.com. ■