Technological innovations, knowledge exchange and eyewear trends take centre stageas the global and regional optical and ophthalmic industry converged in Dubai.
Lucrative trade prospects have been the result of the recently held Vision-X Dubai, the region’s largest optical and ophthalmic exhibition. The 14th edition held at Dubai World Trade from 9 – 11 April 2013 brought together the industry’s leading industry manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and medical experts in the optical and ophthalmic field. The world’s leading optic manufacturers, Allied Medical, Ciba Vision, Essilor, GKB Hi-Tech, Johnson & Johnson, Logo France and Nikon among others, participated this year and to introduce their latest products and technologies to the region.
More than 3,500 trade visitors and 85 exhibitors from 15 countries with country groups including China, India, Italy, Korea and Turkey attended the event, which provided optimum opportunities to network, conduct business, keep abreast of key optometry and ophthalmic trends, and attend workshops. The event saw strong participation from Turkish companies including Efor Optik and Kayatur Optik. In addition, the biggest German pavilion to date was available to trade visitors with leading manufacturers OWP, MP GROUP, Concept S and Essential among the German companies represented.
Marco Bonapace, Manager of Vision Eyewear said: “Vision-X has always been an excellent opportunity to get in touch with the local markets. We have been visiting the show for years but now we are participating for the first time as it is a great platform to get in contact with buyers and retailers from the Middle East, Africa, and Asian countries like Pakistan. This year the experience is positive and we have seen several buyers interested in our products.”
Satish Rajmane, General Manager of GKB Hi-Tech: “We are extremely pleased with our presence at Vision-X Dubai – when we participated last year for the first time we introduced a digital lab with German equipment, which garnered a good response. This year we had an even better response because we have a base in the UAE and several customers that we met last year have returned to do business with us at this year’s event. Vision-X Dubai has allowed us to generate new business and we look forward to participating next year.”
Trixee Loh, Senior Vice President, Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of Vision-X Dubai, said: “Vision-X is the region’s leading platform for the global and regional optical and ophthalmic industry to facilitate business and knowledge sharing as well as showcase the latest trends and technologies. With Dubai a leading healthcare hub for the region and a gateway to the Middle East optics industry, we have seen high level networking, significant trade and industry best practices discussed at the event this year.”
The latest scientific findings and technological developments were discussed at the Vision-X Dubai 2013 Optometry Conference, which focused on optometric education and best practices. This year, Vision Opticare presented two days of intensive seminar talks with renowned speakers who explored a wide range of topics from effective key players in optometric practices to Myopia in the Middle East.
Attending the Vision-X Dubai 2013 Optometry Conference was Dr Mohammad Hassan Khalaf, an Ocularist and Low Vision Aid Specialist from Bahrain, who said: “Vision-X Dubai is an excellent platform for optometry specialists on both the technical and commercial aspects for the region. As the head of the Bahrain Society of Optometry, Hearing and Speech, Vision-X Dubai is the scientific stage where experts can come together to benefit from the latest methodological and technological developments in the optometry industry, which were presented at the event’s conference.”
Noteworthy launches at this year’s Vision-X Dubai included Nikon’s innovative Seecoat Blue, which will revolutionise the world of ophthalmic lenses. Johnson & Johnson also unveiled its Acuvue lenses, the only contact lenses that block 98% of UVB and 85% of UVA rays. In terms of eyewear fashion, eco-friendly wooden frames were introduced by Italian eyewear brand Feb 31st with Vision Eyewear as its MENA distributor. In addition, leading French manufacturer LOGO, in cooperation with Middle East distributor AMICO, is launched its Ice Watch eyewear and sunglasses collection in region.
Following positive feedback from the industry during last year’s Vision-X Dubai, the Eye-Connect Vision-X Dubai Hosted Buyers Programme returned with a hosted delegation of over 40 buyers from more than 10 countries including Bahrain, Iran, Jordan, KSA, and Qatar among others. The programme facilitated business interactions by providing provides opportunities to meet leading international and regional manufacturers, suppliers and distributors.
Following positive feedback from the industry during last year’s Vision-X Dubai, the Eye-Connect Vision-X Dubai Hosted Buyers Programme returned with a hosted delegation of over 40 buyers from more than 10 countries including Bahrain, Iran, Jordan, KSA, and Qatar among others. The programme facilitated business interactions by providing provides opportunities to meet leading international and regional manufacturers, suppliers and distributors.
