20 February 2007

VISION-X DUBAI 2007 DRAWS LARGEST EVER DIVERSITY OF INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITORS


Changing Eyewear Market Offers Major Opportunities for Fashion and Healthcare Specialists

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The 2007 edition of Vision-X Dubai – the region’s premier optical and ophthalmic exhibition – will bring together more than 150 exhibitors from Asia, Europe, North America and the Middle East in the largest and most international edition in its history

"Demand for space is increasing year-on-year for Vision-X Dubai because it offers every exhibiting company a unique platform to display their products and launch new initiatives for the region. The event continues to highlight and strengthen Dubai’s growing role as the region’s centre for the optical and ophthalmic industries," said Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of Vision-X Dubai.

Globally, eyewear and related accessories are becoming increasingly competitive markets, as more fashion labels develop their own brands, and also as the technology to improve eyesight and manage ophthalmic health issues improves and becomes more affordable.

Underlining the growth of the event and the increasing internationalisation of the eyewear industry, companies from new territories like Croatia and the Czech Republic will be exhibiting at the show, alongside traditionally strong players such as Germany, which will host its largest-ever national pavilion.

"Vision-X Dubai 2006 was fantastic for German companies, and we are anticipating even stronger results at this year’s show," said Peter Frankenstein, Manager of Consumer Optics & Spokesperson for SPECTARIS, the German Industry Association for Optical, Medical and Mechatronical Technologies.

"In particular, many German companies are hoping to build on the strong partnerships forged in previous shows, not only with companies in the Middle East, but also with visitors from India, Pakistan and even further afield," he added.

Vision-X Dubai continues to attract the industry’s biggest names with Germany’s Rodenstock doubling the size of their stand and also supporting the event as a Platinum Sponsor.

"Dubai and Vision-X have become synonymous with the optical industry, which is why we have chosen to be a major sponsor for this year’s show. As one of the leading ophthalmic companies, Vision-X Dubai offers us an unprecedented opportunity to meet new clients and make contacts," said Poya Eghterafi, of Egma Lens, the UAE partner for Rodenstock.

Exhibitors at Vision-X Dubai 2007 will display products in a range of fields including accessories, designer frames, fashion sunglasses, optical and ophthalmic lenses, tools and machinery, surgical instruments, eye care products, diagnostic equipment and instruments, sports wear and safety wear.

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. Registration fee for the Conference is AED150 for payment received before and on 1 March 2007, and AED180 for payment from 2 March 2007 onwards.