Innovators were rewarded at Optrafair London, as visitors to the three day event showed a keen appetite for technology and products that can help differentiate their practices.
New gadgetry, modern diagnostics, bespoke contact lenses, significant advances in IT and fashion eye-wear enticed visitors to one of the most comprehensive optical shows staged in London. The event was held from 11-13 April, 2014, and attracted 4616 attendees.
Winning praise from overseas visitors, many were happy with the hospitality and the vintage mood offered at the iconic Olympia venue.
Fabrice Aubinais, Commercial Director for La Font in France, UK and Spain, praised the preparation of the show, which was staged by The Federation of Manufacturing Opticians in conjunction with The Optician journal, saying “This is an essential and long overdue move to London. It was very well organised and I have made some recommendations to Silmo on the basis of what we have seen here, particularly with communication and signage. We have been busy, mainly with independents. We are very happy with Optrafair as since exhibiting at the Birmingham show last year we have grown our UK business by 69%.”
Contact lens supplier, Cooper Vision, also enjoyed the open minded mood of visitors. “We have seen a great spectrum of customers and on the first day alone, fitted 30 people with lenses for My Day comfort trials – it was a great opportunity for practitioners to learn more about the daily disposables. Olympia is a lovely building full of natural light. The show came together really nicely and is so accessible,” said Fiona Phelan, Trade Marketing Executive.
Viva Eyewear, marking their association with Marcolin at the show, also expressed their satisfaction with the venue and the response it had generated. “We love this intimate venue in central London and the natural light which has poured through the glass roof. We have seen a lot of customers, particularly from Ireland,” said Andrew Arbuthnot – Sales Manager for Viva Eyewear.
Rodenstock, Shamir, Hoya, Carl Zeiss and Hoya welcomed visitors with their smart presentation and professional approach to business at the exhibition. Mike Kirkley – Managing Director for Essilor UK praised the ‘bright, airy venue’ which attracted plenty of visitors from the south-east and particularly north-west of the country.
Federation of Manufacturing Opticians and Optician Journal thanked the industry for its support at the inaugural Optrafair London, and said much could be developed from this initial show. Optrafair returns to Birmingham in April 2015, with another show planned for London in 2016.
Watch the highlights of the 3-day event :
