ALEXANDRIA, Va.—The organizers of Vision Expo, The Vision Council and RX, today announced that the Career Zone-Student Lounge will return to Vision Expo West 2021 on Saturday, Sept. 25 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Located in The Seen, Vision Expo’s main stage destination for collaborative learning, the Career Zone-Student Lounge will serve as a central hub for students and young professionals to network with participating companies, all of which are actively recruiting and seeking new talent.

Vision Expo West 2021 will also offer students exclusive registration benefits including free Exhibit Hall admission and unlimited access to education.
 
Vision Expo West 2021 will take place at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada from September 22-25, 2021.  The Show’s educational program, together with OptiCon@Vision Expo, will open Wednesday, Sept. 22 and exhibits will open Thursday, Sept. 23. To register for Vision Expo West 2021, click here.
 
“Vision Expo is committed to supporting the next generation of leaders in the vision community. The Career Zone-Student Lounge will provide students and young professionals with exclusive access to the resources and tools necessary to prepare them for the workforce through insightful panel discussions and opportunities to network with optical companies that are actively recruiting,” said Suzanne Krauss, Vision Expo’s Career Zone-student lounge manager.  
 
Participating companies include:

  • Aria Care Partners
  • Bixby Eye Center
  • Family HealthCare Network
  • Keplr Vision
  • Luxottica
  • MyEyeDr.
  • National Vision, Inc.
  • Shopko Optical
  • Warby Parker
  • Young ODs of America
The Career Zone-Student Lounge will offer dedicated programming throughout the day.  To view the full schedule of programming planned for the Career Zone, click here. Note, the schedule is subject to change. Attendees are encouraged to reference the mobile app while on-site for the most up-to-date schedule.
 
Programming highlights include:

9:45-10:15 a.m.The Value of an Optician
Presented by: Opticians Association of America (OAA)

11:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m.
What’s the Best Part About Starting Your Career in Corporate Optometry?
Panelists include: Representatives from Shopko Optical, Luxottica, National Vision, Inc., MyEyeDr., and Warby Parker
Moderated by Suzanne Krauss, Vision Expo’s Career Zone-Student Lounge Manager

12:30-1:00 p.m. 
National Optometric Association (NOA) Presents: Excellence: Overcoming Obstacles to Optometric Success
NOA doctors will share their experience and tools for successfully navigating within the optometric profession.

1:10-2:00 p.m.
Life, Work, Balance in Optometry
Panelists include: Representatives from Keplr, Family Healthcare Network, Bixby Eye Center and Aria Care Partners
Moderated by Justin Bazan, OD

2:15-3:00 p.m.
Young ODs of America (YODA) Presents: How to be Your Own Boss
Moderated by Justin Bazan, OD

3:30-3:45 p.m.
Passport Drawing & Champagne Toast
 
The Passport Program will also return, which encourages participants to meet and receive a stamp from vendors for a chance to win prizes. Attendees must pick up their passport in the Career Zone-Student Lounge to access free education on Saturday, Sept. 25. Passport Program winners will be announced at 3:30 p.m. in the Career Zone-Student Lounge.
 
This year’s education offerings provide students a diverse selection of courses with topics ranging from best business practices to disease diagnosis. All students are invited to audit any education session at Vision Expo West, 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:
 
Saturday, Sept. 25
The Lean Machine: A Systematic Approach to an Efficient and Cost Effective Practice
  • 7:00-8:00 a.m.
  • Speaker: Aaron Neufeld
  • Level One
CSI: Anterior Segment Case Files
  • 8:30-10:30 a.m.
  • Speaker: Cecelia Koetting, Walter Whitley
  • Level One
Self-Care: Understanding the Importance of a Healthy (Financial) Mindset in Practice Ownership
  • 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
  • Speaker: Adam Cmejla
  • Level One
Event and education schedules are subject to change.