Vision Council of America

The Vision Council of America, commonly referred to as The Vision Council, is a nonprofit trade association serving the optical industry in the United States. It acts as a global voice for eyewear and eyecare, supporting member companies across diverse segments of the industry, from family-owned businesses to global corporations.

Mission and Activities

The Vision Council provides a range of services designed to help its members succeed in their businesses. These include:

• Market Research: Offering comprehensive market data and insights to help members understand and navigate the optical market.
• Training and Networking: Providing access to training programs and exclusive industry networking events, such as Vision Expo and The Executive Summit.
• Advocacy: Advocating for members' interests on Capitol Hill, within federal agencies, and in state capitals on issues impacting vision care products.

Divisions

The organization operates through several divisions, each addressing specific business needs within the optical industry:

• Eyewear & Accessories Division: Focuses on promoting eyewear as fashion accessories and monitoring manufacturing standards and regulations.
• Lens Division: Comprises manufacturers and distributors of eyeglass and contact lenses, focusing on setting industry standards and educating consumers.
• Lens Processing & Technology Division: Represents companies involved in equipment distribution for lens fitting and treatment, focusing on industry standards and compliance.
• Optical Retail Division: Offers support specifically for optical retailers, including regulatory guidance and market insights.
• Low Vision Division: Works to raise awareness about low vision rehabilitation among providers and consumers.
• Sunglass & Reader Division: Promotes the fashion and function of non-prescription sunwear and reading glasses.
• Lab Division: Supports optical laboratories by providing information, education, and operational guidance.

Financial Overview

As of 2023, The Vision Council reported a revenue of $10.5 million and expenses of $9.95 million, with total assets valued at $17.8 million and liabilities of $4.45 million[1].

Foundation Activities

In addition to its trade association activities, The Vision Council Foundation supports initiatives aimed at promoting vision health, particularly among children. This includes partnerships to provide vision screenings and educational resources[5].