Only at International Vision Expo: Optical Boot Camp Level I and Top Gun; New Dispenser Immersion Workshops: Optical Boot Camp Level 1 and Optical Boot Camp Level 2, Top Gun feature need to know skills for First and Second-Year Optical Staff.

NORWALK, Conn. -- Back by popular demand, Optical Boot Camp Level 1, adds an advanced session with the debut of Optical Boot Camp: Level 2 "Top Gun." Optical Boot Camp is exclusive to International Vision Expo, which is scheduled for March 30--April 2 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York. This year marks the 20th anniversary of International Vision Expo East.

Boot Camp Level 1 and 2 are led by a dynamic team of experts who deliver the session in a fun, interactive and hands-on format. The skills and program content are reinforced through demonstrations, activities and engaging discussions.

Optical Boot Camp Level 1 provides new dispensers with the basic skills and optical information in a fraction of the time it would ordinarily take to acquire this amount of knowledge, and assists them in enhancing their professional careers. This day-long (six hour) interactive workshop will teach basic ocular anatomy and physiology; practical optics (light, lenses, and frames); measurement and fitting techniques; and sales and communication strategies. The workshop will take place Saturday, April 1, 2006 from 8:30am - 11:30am and 1:30pm - 4:30pm and is sponsored by Essilor, Crizal Alize, and Varilux. No CE credit is given for this session.

Boot Camp Level 2:Top Gun program content will include the symptoms and diagnoses of ocular problems; optical salesmanship; troubleshooting patient eyewear complaints; and alignment and adjustment tips and techniques. The half-day (four hours) Level 2 Top Gun program takes place on Sunday, April 2, from 8:30am-12:30pm and is sponsored by Stimuleye and Essilor Labs of America. This course is ABO pending.

Both programs include year-long support with web-based access to the Optical Boot Camp trainers and their co-attendees for additional resources and implementation guidance, course materials. Seating for both sessions is limited and registration is required.

International Vision Expo conference sessions have been submitted for ABO, NCLE, JCAHPO, COPE or AOA approval, unless otherwise noted. The deadline for Early Bird registration is March 3. For specific continuing education pricing information, visit the web site at www.visionexpoeast.com or call [phone].

Proceeds Support Practice, Industry

Proceeds from International Vision Expo fund successful educational programs that teach consumers about vision health and encourage them to have regular eye exams with an eyecare professional. This includes the Vision Council of America's Check Yearly. See Clearly.(TM) program. Stop by booth #3858 to learn what Check Yearly. See Clearly.(TM) is doing to support professional growth and fortify the entire industry.

About International Vision Expo East

International Vision Expo East, the worldwide conference and exhibition for eyecare and eyewear, is a trade-only event schedule for March 30--April 2 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York. The event attracts thousands of eyecare and eyewear professionals from around the globe, with more than 550 exhibiting companies in over 240,000 square feet of space. Co-owned by Reed Exhibitions and the Vision Council of America (VCA), International Vision Expo gives back to the entire ophthalmic community. VCA takes revenue generated at the International Vision Expo shows to create programs that educate consumers about the importance of regular vision care. For more information about VCA, visit www.visionsite.org.

For more information on International Vision Expo East, visit the web site at www.visionexpoeast.com or call [phone].