Vision-X Dubai, the region’s leading Optical and Ophthalmic industry exhibition, will bring together the highest number of participating companies in its history when it opens this week from 6 – 8 March, according to organiser Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
The event has grown by more than 30 percent in 2007, attracting specialists from the around the world covering fields as diverse as frames and fashion sunglasses, tools and machinery and eye health treatments. Vision-X Dubai’s focus on both the fashion and healthcare aspects of the industry is unique in the region and has contributed significantly to its growth in 2007.
“Vision-X Dubai has been able to bring both sectors of the eyewear industry together under one roof, providing both a business development platform for fashion buyers and a unique opportunity for ocular healthcare experts to discuss new trends in treatment,” says Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, DWTC.
Such has been demand for space at the event that it has expanded to a second exhibition hall, with increased space for national pavilions and major international trading groups.
Among the largest exhibitors will be Spectaris, the German Industry Association for Optical, Medical and Mechatronical Technologies. In total, 26 companies will be exhibiting on the German National Pavilion, making it the largest national group at the event.
“This is our third year exhibiting at Vision-X Dubai, which we find provides us with an important point of entry to major markets across the region,” said Peter Frankenstein, Manager of Consumer Optics and a representative of Spectaris.
“The German consumer optics industry exported goods worth 37.6 million Euro (USD 50 million) to the Middle East in 2006 – an increase of 17.4 percent on last year, reflecting the region’s enormous importance,” he added.
Other major exhibitors include Rodenstock, the Platinum Sponsor of the event, and distributors of major brands including French Connection, Caterpillar and Speedo. Vision-X Dubai 2007 will also welcome first-time exhibitors from Spain, Croatia and the Czech Republic.
In addition to the large industry groups, the exhibition has attracted a number of smaller companies eager to introduce innovative new products to the international market. AMSTech, a medical technology company with offices in Abu Dhabi, has developed a series of products that convert text to audio to help people with limited vision.
“Our products are designed to help people read again, and include video magnifiers and Ovation speech output machines. An event like Vision-X Dubai, which attracts so many different types of eyewear specialist, is the ideal venue to demonstrate the positive benefits these solutions can deliver to patients,” said Mahmoud Matar, Manager, AMSTech.
In addition to offering a platform for companies in the healthcare space, the exhibition will run in parallel with the Vision-X Dubai Conference, organised with the Emirates Medical Association Ophthalmic Society (EMAOS), sponsored by Johnson and Johnson.
Discussing a range of key issues – from managing eye disease to reducing the incidence of blindness in the developing world, as well as a dedicated Refractive Surgery Sub-Speciality Session – the Conference will make an important contribution to the ongoing discussion about eye health in the region, with all attending practitioners receiving Certificates of Continuing Medical Education.
This trade-only event is expected to attract a high attendance of distributors, importers and exporters, manufacturers, resellers, retailers and eye specialists such as opticians, optometrists, ophthalmologists and surgeons when it opens on March 6.
Vision-X Dubai will be held in Hall 5 and 6 of the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) from 6 - 8 March 2007. The Vision-X Dubai Conference, organised by Emirates Medical Association Ophthalmic Society (EMAOS) will be held on 7 - 8 March 2007.
Vision-X Dubai 2007 is the 8th Optical & Ophthalmic Exhibition and Conference. It is the largest regional exhibition for the latest in eyewear, optical aids and accessories in an exciting and dynamic market.
The trade and specialist exhibition is a cost-effective way to maintain and expand your market share and the ideal platform to launch new products and services.
The Vision-X Dubai conference, organised by EMAOS, will be held alongside the exhibition. This is your chance to hear from key speakers, be involved in discussions and network with industry experts.
About Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)
Website: www.dwtc.com
As the organiser of Vision-X Dubai 2007, Dubai World Trade Centre offers over 27 years’ experience of delivering world-class events in the Middle East, providing local, regional and international exhibitors with unmatched expertise and in-depth market knowledge. Our team organises 15 of the largest and most successful international and regional shows in Middle East, providing an ideal platform for business development in the region.
Our commitment to ongoing innovation within the exhibition industry has supported the rapid growth and development of a wide range of business-to-business and business-to-consumer shows, and delivered consistent satisfaction to exhibitors and visitors. DWTC works with the leading trade bodies and industry associations to ensure that all exhibitions deliver full value and are built upon the real needs of their specific sector.
