Expanded exhibitor line-up to showcase latest trends and technologies at refreshed Vision-X
More than 150 exhibitors from over 26 countries will showcase the latest international trends, technologies and designs at this week’s three-day Vision-X, starting tomorrow at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
Scores of eye care manufacturers will line up at the Middle East’s largest optical trade show, which has attracted more than 125 new brands from Algeria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Oman, Pakistan and more.
A substantial increase in pre-registered visitors and country representation has underscored the growth potential of the region’s optical industry, with the 15th edition of Vision-X gearing up to host more than 250 brands in a significantly-expanded exhibition arena.
The industry-wide event will see global eyewear brands and retailers showcase cutting-edge trends, products and accessories at Optistyle, while eye care providers, medical practitioners and technology suppliers will discuss and display the latest services, equipment and machinery on the show-floor at Opticare.
Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Events & Exhibitions Department, DWTC, said, “Dubai is one of the world’s most important fashion and design centres, so it is very exciting to have so many local and international optical exhibitors participating in the event. As the Middle East and North Africa region’s only optical and eye care business event, exhibitors will have the chance to enter this growing market and showcase their collections and designs to quality national and international buyers and suppliers.”
In addition to a series of glamorous eyewear fashion shows being added to this year’s Vision-X bill by Fashion TV Eyewear, a dedicated zone for NGOs featuring specialist showcases of affordable, pioneering eye care technology solutions tailor-made for the developing world is another eye-catching draw for global optical businesses.
“We’ve reformatted the event to celebrate this year’s crystal anniversary and the refreshed look and features are already paying off; pre-registered visitors are 170 per cent up on last year and at their highest level since 2010. The refreshed show will offer a much more expansive and holistic platform for the international optical industry to explore and monetise immense revenue-generating opportunities across the MENA region and beyond,” LohMirmand added.
Making its debut at Vision-X this year, the Future in Focus feature allows health care 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 and learn how to leverage social media for their businesses.
With a strong emphasis on future technology at this year’s show, UAE-based designer and manufacturer EYEdeas will be launching its new children’s glasses concept and newly-designed titanium medical frames to keep in line with the developing industry.
Dr Mahmoud El Hakim, CEO of EYEdeas, said, “The Gulf market is continually growing and developing and as a manufacturer and designer myself, it is vital that you keep up to speed with the latest trends and technologies if you want to compete in the market. Customers in the region are extremely smart and they don’t just want regular products, so you always have to be one step ahead and ensure you can offer innovative designs at competitive prices.”
He added, “In the coming few years I think we are going to see several new concepts and designs concerning the medical and sun frames section leading the way in the optical market. I am working on several new ideas which I have had patented and I hope I can launch the final products by the end of the year. Vision-X provides the perfect opportunity for me to showcase my ideas and receive feedback from some of the leading professionals in the industry.”
Also for the first time in the Middle East, GfK, the show’s Retail Intelligence Partner, will utilise Vision-X to reveal new insights into the global optical industry and share key data obtained from its GfK Optician Census study. The tailored analysis will enable Vision-X participants to assess the dynamics of the regional landscape in which they operate.
Running alongside the event is the new Vision-X VP Awards, launched in partnership with VisionPlus Arabia Magazine. The only dedicated celebration of excellence in the Middle East’s optical industry, the awards have attracted more than 130 global entries. The nominees were shortlisted by a panel of leading regional retailers and industry professionals across 15 categories, and voting lines closed on the 18th of November. The winners will be announced at an exclusive ceremony on November 25 in Dubai.
Vision-X 2014 returns with support from 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. The show is open daily from 10am to 6pm on November 25 and 26 and 10am to 5pm on November 27. Registration is available in advance at the event’s new website: www.vision-x.ae.
