NORWALK, Conn.— Preliminary unaudited attendance figures indicate that 12,077 eyecare professionals (ECPs) attended International Vision Expo West, which wrapped up on Sept. 8 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas. Opening on the heels of the Labor Day weekend, exhibit hall attendance came in at 8,209 and was on par with last year’s attendance records, according to show organizers. The education program delivered 350 hours of education and drew 3,868 eyecare professionals during the four-day event. A complete, third-party audit of International Vision Expo West will be available approximately six weeks after the show.

“International Vision Expo West is a healthy, energetic and vibrant event, and the number of loyal and satisfied visitors in attendance at this past week’s event was a true testament to that,” said Tom Loughran, vice president for Reed Exhibitions. “We remain committed to providing the entire ophthalmic community with a convenient location to network, hold meetings and source the best in products, education, innovative solutions and business-building tools for the health of their practice and their patients.”

Dozens of strategic partnerships were formed at this year’s event between a diverse, global network of optometric associations, professional organizations, alliances and buying groups. The Optimum Program, comprised largely of million dollar practices, Vision Monday’s Top 50 Retailers and boutique optical buyers, grew by 22 percent and 11 new professional groups joined Vision Expo’s Partner Program, bringing the total number to 38. In addition, the growth of the Optometry (OD) Student Program enticed several organizations to host meetings at the show, including the Association of Practice Management Educators (APME) and Student Optometric Leadership Network (SOLN).

A record number of show specials, new products, lines and launches were also key drivers at this year’s event. Nearly 475 exhibitors from around the globe offered more than 600 show specials and 5,000 brands, covering all aspects of eyecare, eyewear and accessories.

Next year, International Vision Expo West will be held Oct. 2 to 5 in Las Vegas, before returning to its typical late September time frame for the next seven years. For more information about International Vision Expo West, including event highlights, images and videos, go to www.visionexpowest.com.