NEW YORK—Whether you hit the local swap meets, cruise a vintage store, seek out a second hand shop or merely reach way back into your closet, do not come to New York for Vision Expo Week without packing your best ’60s “threads.” That’s the message that the organizers of Rockin’ for New Eyes are sending out to anyone who is planning to attend the annual fund-raising concert for New Eyes for the Needy, a highlight of Vision Expo East week.

The show will take place at The Hard Rock Café in Times Square on March 23, from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. The Hard Rock will be decorated in a ’60s, “flower power” theme, and each attendee will be given items that were worn during that fabulous decade (think round, colorful eyewear).

The show, which organizers expect to sell-out, will feature five bands: RetroSpex, Visionary, The Base Curve Band, Zonules of Zinn and Punktum Remotum. Each band is comprised entirely of volunteer singers and musicians who work in the optical industry. Corporate sponsors donated most of the revenue generated by the show, and organizers of the show are aiming to top the $217,000 raised at last year’s show.

National Vision is returning as the Premier Diamond Sponsor of Rockin’ for New Eyes. “The Rockin’ for New Eyes Annual Charity Concert has become a part of the DNA of National Vision’s philanthropic platform,” said Bob Stein, National Vision’s chief philanthropic and managed care development officer and co-chair for this year’s event. “As the lead sponsor for many years, we look forward to not only the ability for joyful celebration within the industry, but the bigger mission of supporting those in optical need.”

As in prior years, National Vision is sponsoring free tickets for up to 250 student optometrists. “The ability of National Vision to host optometry student’s attendance each year is an added bonus, which serves to bring them into the fun and loving arms of this incredible industry and its people,” said Stein.

As of press time, the following companies have signed on as sponsors of Rockin’ for New Eyes:

Premier Diamond
National Vision

Platinum
Transitions Optical

Gold
Essilor
Jobson Optical Group
Marcolin
Versant Health
The Vision Council/Reed Exhibitions

Silver
Aerial Vision International
Avesis
Charmant USA
ClearVison Optical
Costco
Eyewear by R.O.I.
Eyewear Designs
Kenmark
Marco
MCQ
Modo
Nouveau Eyewear
Ocuco
Optos
The McGee Group
UnitedHealthcare
Walman
Zyloware

Bronze
Europa Eyewear
Oculus
OMG

Click here to order tickets. Click here to become a corporate sponsor.

New Eyes for the Needy is a charity that supplies new eyewear to needy children and adults, free of charge.