NEW YORK—In addition to showcasing new eyewear trends and high-tech equipment, eyecare professionals at the upcoming International Vision Expo East can select from more than 325 hours of groundbreaking continuing education, developed by a conference advisory board. This year’s focus will be on core competencies —disease diagnosis, treatment and management; clinical application of products; and healthy business solutions.

New for 2013, the conference advisory board has added several features to the program. Chief eXperience Officer Certificate (CXO): Registrants can designate and empower a CXO in their practice to drive and implement extraordinary customer service. The certificate is designed to help practices differentiate their business from the internet and increase patient satisfaction, loyalty and profits. Macular Degeneration and Nutritional Supplements: Participants can learn how nutritional supplements can add significant benefit in saving vision for patients with macular degeneration.ECPs can join panelists throughout the conference to get all of the latest information on this important technology in optometry.

OD/MD Collaborative Care: ODs practicing with MDs is quickly becoming a common form of practice. Participants can listen to these partnership teams discuss how they work together to provide the highest level of patient care. Guided Practice Modules: These panels discuss various management secrets and give information that a busy practitioner can take back to their practice and implement immediately including step-by-step info about contact lens, lens pricing, recall and appointment strategies.

Glaucoma: Many practitioners are anxious to get started actively treating glaucoma but aren't sure where to start. With the many recent changes in technology and pharmacology it can be confusing. This entirely new glaucoma program will take attendees from the beginning of treating glaucoma to more complicated cases. Frame Buyer Sessions: All new classes and speakers are in place for 2013. Attendees can streamline the process of managing, monitoring, positioning and promoting frame inventory—what today's frame buyer needs to know, from industry experts.

Attendees can also take advantage of what New York City has to offer, including the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. International Vision Expo has secured discounts on hotel and travel, dining, transportation, entertainment and other special events, to help make the trip to NYC easy and affordable. All travel, hotel, shopping, dining and entertainment information can be found in the ‘travel and entertainment’ section of the website at www.visionexpoeast.com.

Vision Expo East will take place at New York’s Javits Center March 14-17, 2013 (Education: March 14-17, Exhibition: March 15-17).