Throughout this past year, The Vision Council has reaffirmed its commitment to the core pillars and mission that define our organization.
In 2024, we dedicated our efforts to supporting our members and advancing the health and vitality of the optical industry. By launching impactful initiatives and building new partnerships, we’ve made significant strides across advocacy, research, education, and community building. We look ahead to 2025 with excitement and hopes to continue driving progress and innovation.
Below, we’ve highlighted key milestones from the past year, showcasing the achievements we’ve made together.
Advocacy & Technical Affairs
The Government Relations team had a busy year educating members and advocating for their interests related to PFAS, China 301 Duties, Teleoptometry and more.
- Launched PolicyWatch, a regulatory monitoring service for the optical industry.
- Submitted a letter to the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Committee on Finance to urge lawmakers to address specific expiring tax provisions.
- Hosted informational webinars covering topics such Capitol Hill engagement and anticipated tariffs that are expected with the incoming administration.
- Introduced members to their elected representatives through the Congressional Connections initiative and facilitated three member visits with members of Congress.
Trade Shows
Vision Expo had a transformative year, filled with bittersweet goodbyes and exciting announcements heading into its next chapter.
- Celebrated nearly 40 years of Vision Expo East at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City ahead of its move to Orlando.
- Welcomed over 10,000 industry professionals to Vision Expo West in Las Vegas.
- Debuted a fresh rebrand, an indicator of the show’s renewed commitment to the industry. The new look comes complete with a refreshed logo, enhanced branding, streamlined and simplified event navigation, improved programming, and a host of exciting new features.
Research
The inSights Research Program continued to reach new heights in producing pivotal research pertaining to all facets of the industry.
- Released 22 inSights Research Reports and 50+ supplemental reports.
- Participated in 11 panels, podcasts and speaking engagements related to industry research.
- Conducted consumer and provider surveys that provided updated market estimates and took a closer look at topics such as low vision, Made in the USA, safety eyewear and more.
Education
Education efforts blossomed through numerous activations and initiatives, driven by consumer-focused campaigns and an overarching goal of promoting growth of the industry through scholarships.
- Launched The Vision Council Foundation, the philanthropic leg of The Vision Council and a reimagined take on Think About Your Eyes.
- Announced The Vision Council Foundation’s 2025 campaign, Better Vision for Better Lives, an initiative aimed at increasing access to vision care products and services as part of one’s overall health.
- Established new partnerships, including the collaboration with EyeMed Vision Care, with a shared mission to drive the optical industry forward by raising public awareness.
- Hosted a silent auction at the 2024 Executive Summit to raise funds for the Opening Your Eyes Scholarship.
- Celebrated National Sunglasses Day, with this year’s focus on sports sunglasses.
Community Building
Fostering strong bonds across the industry remained a key commitment of the association.
- Hosted over 20 educational webinars for members, covering issues such as cybersecurity, chemical regulation compliance, e-learning series and other items pertaining to member interests.
- Welcomed members of the industry to the 2024 Executive Summit in Naples, Florida and the Lab Leadership Forum in California.
- Held both virtual and in-person member meetings, as well as member receptions at Vision Expo.
- Welcomed 35 new members and received an 86%-member satisfaction rate.
We thank our members and staff for their continued support and look forward to another monumental year ahead.
