6 March 2007

MOST INTERNATIONAL EDITION OF VISION-X DUBAI 2007 OPENS


H.E. Qadhi Saeed Al Moorshid, Director General - Department of Health & Medical Services Opens Region's Largest Optical Exhibition ; Major Conference Tackles Eyesight Issues in the Middle East

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Vision-X Dubai, the 8th Optical and Ophthalmic Exhibition and Conference, was officially inaugurated today by H.E. Qadhi Saeed Al Moorshid, Director General - Department of Health & Medical Services.

His Excellency toured the exhibition, which gathers 155 exhibitors from 27 countries.

The enthusiastic opening and registration on the first day reflects the industry's growing number of specialists and visitors in the region. Vision-X Dubai is unique for its blend of both the fashion and healthcare elements of the Middle East's optical and ophthalmic industries, providing a major meeting point for different sectors to develop new business opportunities.

On the fashion-side, key brands such as Estee Lauder, French Connection, Pepsi, and Speedo will present the latest collection at the show. Middle East distributor Egma Lens will also display an extended range of the high-end Porsche Design Eyewear collection, developed by Porsche and Rodenstock designers in collaboration.

For medical specialists, the second Vision-X Dubai 2007 Conference will begin tomorrow, examining a number of key eye-health issues. This major conference is set to attract ophthalmologists, optometrists and physicians from across the Middle East to tackle issues relating to eyesight.

The Emirates Mediacal Association Ophthalmic Society (EMAOS), co-organiser of the Vision-X Dubai Conference, believe that the event will provide a vital professional development opportunity.

Dr. Manal Taryam, Specialist – Dubai Hospital and President of EMAOS, explains: "We are bringing together optical experts from across the UAE, as well as specialists from the GCC, Lebanon, UK, Switzerland and India, to tackle some of the key issues relating to eyesight in the region."

"As well as examining some of the fundamental issues relating to eye health – such as the prevention of disease and the reduction of blindness in the population – we will also be examining some of the advanced measure now available in the surgical field to enhance eyesight," she added.

Among the speakers at the event will be Dr. Thuraya Alhashemi, Consultant – Marfaq Hospital, and President of Right to Sight in the UAE, part of a global initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) which aims to eliminate avoidable blindness worldwide by the year 2020.

The Vision-X 2007 Conference will offer a subspecialty session in refractive surgery to inform and educate doctors and eye care providers about the latest developments in this area.

Participants in the program will be accredited with Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits by the Department of Health and Medical Services (DoHMS).

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.