Fashion TV catwalk shows add touch of glamour; Opticare Dubai Conference offers accredited educational senminars for optometry professionals; leading brands and products named at Vision-X VP Awards
Optometry professionals from across the globe are out in full force at this year’s enhanced Vision-X, with the German international pavilion taking centre stage at the 2014 edition of the Middle East’s largest optical trade event.
According to Peter Frankenstein, Head of Consumer Optics, the German High-tech Industry Association (GHIA), German exports of consumer optics jumped from USD 7.1 million in 2011 to USD 12.4 million in 2013 – a 33.7 per cent increase.
Participating for the 12th consecutive year, GHIA’s considerable presence includes 17 eyewear and eye care companies participating across 348 m² of exhibition space – a 22 per cent increase on 2013.
“Vision-X has attracted Germany’s largest national pavilion of consumer optics in the world, which we believe illustrates the importance and vitality of the regional market to German suppliers,” said Frankenstein. “With Germany’s consumer optics turnover split 50/50 between local consumption and exports, it is vital to reach out to the Middle East market and put our stamp on the industry.”
“In addition to the wide range of frames, sunglasses, optics and contact lenses on display at this year’s event, we are showcasing the latest German machinery, which produces cutting-edge contact lenses and modern frames, for the first time in the region. We have already received positive and encouraging feedback from a number of traders on the opening day of the show and we are looking forward to returning next year.”
Continuing with the international appeal of Vision-X 2014, Swing, a Turkish eyewear manufacturer, has used the three-day exhibition to launch its ‘virtually unbreakable’ leather frame effect sunglasses collection in the UAE market.
Aimed at both adults and children, the anti-allergenic and anti-bacterial glasses are the first of their kind in the global eyewear industry.
Highlighting the latest optical eyewear and eye care industry technologies, styles and findings, the three-day Vision-X 2014 brings together more than 250 exhibitors from 26 countries. Recognising the best designers and manufacturers in the industry, the Vision-X VP Awards announced 15 winners and a Special Jury Award last night in a glittering awards ceremony at Dubai World Trade Centre.
Taking place until 27 November, the refreshed Vision-X 2014 hosts a series of accredited educational seminars as part of the Opticare conference. Dr Bassima Aldelaigan, Chief of Optometry Department at Alraed Centre, Riyadh, took to the stage on the opening day to offer her expertise on the basics of low vision.
“As a Saudi woman who had the privilege to learn and practice abroad for years, I feel that it is my duty to be part of regional education forums such as this one and share the knowledge with colleagues in the region,” said Aldelaigan. “Low vision is a sub specialty that many optometrists want to learn about and it’s such a pleasure to be part of this forum that Vision-X has put at the educators’ and practitioners’ disposition to be able to exchange information and learn from one another.”
Commenting on the universally positive response to the event’s crystal anniversary, Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Exhibitions & Events Management, DWTC, the show organiser, said: “The increase in visitors attending this year’s Vision-X illustrates the positive response to the exciting new format we have implemented for the show’s 15th anniversary. The regional optical industry is one of the world’s most dynamic markets and the new-look Vision-X gives local, regional and international suppliers and retailers a platform to come together and source, trade and network.”
Vision-X 2014 also boasts a series of new features, with Fashion TV Eyewear – which has recently appointed Tommy Fashion Sunglasses as its new regional licensee – running three daily catwalk shows, and a specialist showcase area for new technologies including innovative 3D screens for displaying brands in advertising and retail environments. Elsewhere, the Future in Focus feature, another show first, allows healthcare professionals to meet international business leaders and global experts in one-to-one sessions where they can discuss various management practice issues, experience the revolutionary Google Glass product and learn how to leverage social media to drive revenue generation across their businesses.
The popular Hosted Buyer Programme is also back, providing top-level buyers with a cache of opportunities to meet leading international and regional manufacturers, suppliers and distributors showcasing their latest trends in fashion eyewear and medical eye care products, as well as attend Business Breakfast and networking meetings with leading speakers at the Future in Focus zone.
Vision-X 2014 is supported by Headline Sponsor Vision & Fashion; Nikon & Kefan; Egma, GKB Hi-Tech and Medicals International. Held in DWTC’s Sheikh Saeed Halls from November 25-27, Vision-X Dubai is strictly a trade-only event, open daily from 10am to 6pm on November 25 and 26 and 10am to 5pm on November 27. More information is available at the event’s new website: www.vision-x.ae.
