Show of optimism at Vision Expo East

Optical professionals from around the world descended on the Javits Center in New York for Vision Expo East last weekend, braving snow and travel disruption caused by the New York Half Marathon.

As Optician went to press, officially audited numbers on show attendance were not available, but Reed Exhibitions said it had taken a number of measures to minimise disruption caused by Sunday's half marathon, including providing alternate walking maps and placing marathon ambassadors in hotels.

Despite the disruption, Nick Boys, sales director of British firm William Morris, said the company had enjoyed a successful exhibition. 'It was a fantastic show for us,' he said. 'Our American customers really enjoy the Britishness of the brand. They also loved the fact that the company has been shortlisted for an Optician Award - which is something we have promoted heavily.'