IcareLabs Blog

SWITCH: Vision Innovation Summit – What ECPs Can Expect

Written by Jessyca | Jan 26, 2026 2:15:00 PM

The future of vision care is evolving faster than ever — driven by advances in artificial intelligence, diagnostics, smart eyewear, and personalized health solutions. In response to these shifts, EssilorLuxottica has introduced the SWITCH: Vision Innovation Summit, a three-day, future-focused event designed to explore how innovation, data, and design are reshaping vision care at scale.

For opticians, optometrists, and optical professionals, SWITCH offers a unique opportunity to earn continuing education credits, engage with industry leaders, and gain insight into what’s next for eye care.

What Is SWITCH?

SWITCH: Vision Innovation Summit is a multi-day educational and innovation event created to spark bold conversations around the future of vision and healthcare. Unlike a traditional trade show, SWITCH is built around immersive learning, general sessions, and forward-thinking discussions focused on how technology, data, and design are transforming patient care.

The event brings together leaders across optics, healthcare, and technology to explore how eye health is becoming a key access point for broader health insights — from preventive care to multisensory health solutions.

Event Details

  • 📍 Orlando, Florida

  • 📅 March 9–11, 2026

The timing of SWITCH allows attendees to combine education, networking, and innovation exploration into a single, impactful week in Orlando concluding with the Vision Expo 2026.

A Look at the SWITCH Program

Three Days. Bold Ideas. Transformative Conversations.

The SWITCH program is structured to balance education, inspiration, and real-world application.

General Sessions

Two main general sessions anchor the event, featuring industry experts and thought leaders covering topics such as:

Morning General Session Themes

  • Lead the Change: Shape What’s Next

  • Frame Your Care in AI: The AI Glasses Revolution

  • Beyond Vision: Technology That Transforms Senses

  • Eye Openers: Health in High Definition

Afternoon General Session Themes

  • Turning to the Next Generation

  • Personalization at the Speed of Innovation

  • Culture in Motion: Brands That Inspire Change

  • What’s Next? How AI Can Deliver Meaningful Patient Impact (Keynote Session)

These sessions focus on how artificial intelligence, connected devices, and data-driven insights are influencing patient outcomes and practice models for ECPs across the globe.

Continuing Education Opportunities

One of the biggest draws of SWITCH is the robust continuing education offering, designed for both optometrists and opticians.

Optometry Track

  • 5 hours of COPE-accredited CE

  • Provided by Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry

  • CE fee: $125

Topics include:

  • The role of ophthalmic lenses in a multi-tiered approach to myopia management

  • Light therapy in pre- and post-operative patients

  • Oculomics: how the eye can reveal systemic health insights

  • AI applied to retinal diagnosis and disease management

  • Presbyopia and the current state of category solutions

Optician & Management Track

  • 5 hours of continuing education included with registration

  • Credits available for ABO, NCLE, NACOR, COO, and NY

Topics include:

  • The optician’s role in the myopia management journey

  • Understanding accommodative ranges to select optimal lens designs

  • The impact of aging on vision and hearing

  • Light therapy strategies to reduce contact lens dropout

  • How emerging technologies will transform patient experience and the roles of eyecare professionals

Non-CE Learning Experience

  • Transitions Studio®: A non-CE course focused on connecting vision, style, and technology to redefine the human experience with eyewear.

Agenda at a Glance

Across the three days, attendees can expect:

  • Morning and afternoon learning sessions

  • General sessions with keynote presentations

  • Networking opportunities and evening events

  • An exclusive Vision Expo booth tour

  • Time dedicated to inspiration, education, and peer connection

The event is intentionally structured to allow professionals to learn, network, and explore innovation without feeling rushed.

Special Host: Katie Linendoll

SWITCH will be hosted by Katie Linendoll, a nationally recognized technology expert and Emmy-winning media personality. As host, she will guide three immersive days of discussion, helping translate complex innovation into meaningful insights for eyecare professionals.

Her presence reinforces SWITCH’s mission: making innovation approachable, actionable, and relevant to real-world patient care.

Why SWITCH Matters to the Optical Industry

Healthcare is entering a pivotal moment. Powered by AI, biometrics, and connected data, care models are shifting toward being:

  • More predictive

  • More personalized

  • More connected

Eye health is emerging as a gateway to broader health understanding — and SWITCH is designed to explore that transformation head-on. Topics such as myopia management, smart eyewear, multisensory health, and AI-driven diagnostics are no longer future concepts — they’re becoming everyday considerations for modern practices.

Final Thoughts

For optical professionals looking to stay informed, earn CE credits, and gain insight into where vision care is headed, SWITCH: Vision Innovation Summit offers a comprehensive, forward-thinking experience. With a blend of education, innovation, and industry connection, the event highlights how collaboration and technology are shaping the next era of eyecare.

At IcareLabs, we believe that understanding industry trends and advancements helps practices deliver better outcomes for patients — today and in the future. Registration ends January 30th, 2026.