More than 140 international and regional brands from over 29 countries are participating in the ongoing Vision X, a major optical and ophthalmic exhibition and conference, which opened today (December 6) Dubai, UAE.

Now in its sixteenth year, the event will run until December 8, at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

The three-day event will feature an expanded Style Atelier showcase this year, which has attracted leading niche fashion names such as Aston Martin, Bentley Eyewear, Cutler and Gross, Fakoshima, Gold & Wood, Histoire de Voir, Hoet, Linda Farrow, Ted Baker, Vanessa & Mehdi, and Viktor & Rolf Vision.

This year, European companies represent a third of the total number of exhibitors with a host of distributors eager to launch new designer brand models as well as highlight the technological developments in the eye care industry, it added.

More than 800 opticians have been opened in the UAE and Saudi Arabia in the past four years, underlined by a regional retail industry and the growing number of shopping malls recently opened or under construction, said the statement.

Illustrating a keen attentiveness to the development of the local market and an awareness of the importance of quality care for eyesight, GCC companies have a strong presence at the event, making up 27 per cent of the exhibitor base, it added.

Additionally, the Vision-X Opticare Conference, accredited by the Dubai Health Authority, will run alongside the main exhibition and will see a host of high level speakers discussing the latest healthcare topics such as myopia, low vision, paediatrics and optical business management.  

Trixie LohMirmand, the senior vice president, exhibitions and events management, DWTC, said: “The eyewear market in the UAE alone is worth over $480million and the Mena region offers great growth opportunities.”

“Vision-X is the perfect place for optometrists, opticians and professionals working within the eyecare and eyewear market. We are providing a platform for eyecare professionals to share their developments and educate peers on the latest technologies available,” she added.

Jun Young Lee from Korean exhibitor DaeMyung Optical, said: “Attending the event is crucial for us to maintain our reputation in the local market. It’s a great platform for securing business relationships and acquiring potential customers in Mena.”

Lukas Schroll, managing director of European company Ladenbau & Objektdesign, said: “The Mena region is an important business hub as it possesses big market potential for the optical business.”

"Taking part in a local trade show means showing our presence and offers opportunities for meeting existing clients personally as well as getting to know new clients and business partners," he added.

Vision Plus, a leading eyewear fashion magazine in the reason, will tonight organise the Vision-X VP Awards, acknowledging excellence in the optical business across optical care products and fashion frames, it added. – TradeArabia News Service