ORLANDO—Last week, ECPs, students, and optical companies across the country headed down to Orlando, Florida, for Vision Expo East—the first in-person Vision Expo event since September 2019. Though slightly, and understandably, smaller than past shows, there was no lack of enthusiasm or excitement at East 2021—in fact, the feeling on the show floor was as electric as ever, full of members of the optical community who were so excited to get back to doing what they love. This week, we’re taking a look at posts from some independent ECPs and students who packed a suitcase and headed to Orlando—all to give you a look at the Vision Expo East 2021 experience. 


Melissa Barnett Erickson, OD, who practices in California, spoke about scleral lens troubleshooting at Expo with Chandra Mickles, OD. Image via drmelissabarnett on Instagram.


Sana Somji, OD and Alireza Somji, OD, of Horizon Eye Care and Optical in Sugar Land, Texas, headed to Expo to catch up on new tech and frames. Image via horizoneyecareoptical on Instagram.


Nicolette Zawilinski, OD, who founded Lux Eye Care in Matthews, North Carolina, will be bringing what she learned at Expo back to her practice. Image via luxeyecare on Instagram.


Karla Quintana, OD, who practices in Puerto Rico, was excited to visit Expo. Image via eyeseeu20_20 on Instagram.


Kerry Kordet Giedd, OD, who practices at Eola Eyes in Orlando had a nice, easy trip to Vision Expo East this year. Image via eyedrmom on Instagram.


Jade Coats, OD (r), who practices in Northwest Arkansas, was excited to be able to meet up with opti-friends again, including Jack Schaeffer, OD. Image via coatseyecare2020 on Instagram.