16th edition of Vision-X features host of international fashion brands, new technologies and unrivalled conference agenda with Dubai Health Authority accreditation
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Dubai is the focal point of the $90 billion eyecare industry once again, as more than 140 exhibitors from 29 countries are ready to take part in the three-day Vision-X event at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
Opening its doors on Sunday 6 December, the three-day exhibition and conference features the Style Atelier for leading fashion brands and the most cutting-edge global eyewear brands, as well as the latest in fashion and corrective lenses in the OptiSyle sector, plus everything the retail optometrist and optician needs.
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 eyecare.
While the European eyewear market remains steady but stagnant, market research from GfK reports that the UAE has enjoyed a healthy 7% year-on-year growth, making it an attractive region to set up shop.
Lukas Schroll, Managing Director, Ladenbau & Objektdesign GmbH said “The MENA region is an important business hub for us due to the fact that there is 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.”
European companies aren’t the only ones to realise the potential of the region, with another third of exhibitors hailing from Asian countries keen to tap into the UAE’s $480 million eyewear market.
Jun Young Lee from Korean exhibitor DaeMyung Optical, said: “Attending Vision-X 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. The market here is definitely flourishing and many companies will hope to take advantage of that, making Vision-X an important event for businesses when branching out into this part of the world.”
While a number of exhibitors are participating in Vision-X for the first time to forge new business connections, Brazilian based lens manufacturer, Solitica, is already entrenched in regional market. The company exports some 600,000 lenses to the UAE and has announced its plans to expand the business by a further 20% in 2016.
The expanded Style Atelier showcase this year has attracted leading niche fashion names such as Aston Martin, Cutler and Gross, Fakoshima, Sama, , Hoet, Linda Farrow, TD Tom Davies, Vanessa & Mehdi, Apro and Kyme.
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 Vision-X 2015, making up 27% of the exhibitor base. More than 800 opticians have been opened in the UAE and Saudi Arabia in the past four years, underlined by a buoyant regional retail industry and the growing number of shopping malls recently opened or under construction.
The Vision-X Opticare Conference, accredited by the Dubai Health Authority, runs alongside the 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. Delegates who attend the three day conference can get up to 15 points under Accreditation #1421/15.
Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Exhibitions & Events Management at DWTC, the show organiser said “The eyewear market in the UAE alone is worth over US$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. This year, we have a host of new designer fashion brand collection launches and we expect that there will be a heightened buzz on the exhibition floor as new business connections are made. We are providing a platform for eyecare professionals to share their developments and educate peers on the latest technologies available.”
On the evening of Sunday 6 December, the votes will be tallied for the Vision-X VP Awards, with 15 winners announced at a glamorous ceremony at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Acknowledging excellence in the optical business across optical care products and fashion frames, the Awards are organised in collaboration with Vision Plus, the region’s number one eyewear fashion magazine.