16th Edition of Vision-X redefines itself as key regional event in optical industry
Dubai, United Arab Emirates:
A unique pair of eyewear frames crafted with titanium, gold and diamond inlays was sold to a private buyer in Dubai for AED650,000 at the recent Vision-X exhibition.
The one of a kind piece – the highlight of the new luxury Bentley range, was on display at the Middle East’s largest optical trade show, which ran from 6-8 December at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Bentleylaunched their new eyewear range at the event with their first ever trade show in the world, and displayed luxury items ranging from their standard line of titanium frames worth AED5,000 to the 18 karat solid gold frames worth AED28,000.
With an exceptional line-up of global brands on display, Vision-X underlined its position as the premier optical eyewear event in the region, welcoming 141 exhibitors from 29 countries representing 265 brands from the regional and international market.
International participation was also increased year on year reflecting the growing interest from global players in the regional market. The German pavilion continued to be the largest on the exhibition floor, while Japanese exhibitors made a big impression with their first independent pavilion.
Peter Frankenstein, Head of Consumer Optics, the German High-tech Industry Association (GHIA) said: “We have been here since 2000, and this is the biggest participation of the German optical industry outside of Germany. We understand that it is important to be here at Vision-X in order to create opportunities in the MENA region.Dubai is the key for expanding, and the Vision-X expo is a great platform for expansion in the MENA region and all of our exhibitors here think this way.”
The Vision-X Opticare Conference, accredited by the Dubai Health Authority,once again provided an excellent opportunity for local and international delegates to enhance their knowledge and understanding in the field of optometry.Working in tandem with the exhibition, the conference delivered streamlined sessions and lectures covering topics such as myopia, low vision, paediatrics and optical business management. All delegates who attended the three day conference had the opportunity to earn up to 15 points under Accreditation #1421/15.
Walid Bin Humaid, an Optometrist in Saudi Arabia said: “It’s great to have a choice between the exhibition, lectures and the Future in Focus seminar. I visited last year as well and there have been a lot of positive changes. I came to refresh my knowledge and I feel I was able to do that today.”
Kuma Kundra, an Optometrist from India added: “I was able to attend the lectures I wanted to see as well as visit the exhibitors. The conferences are a very good platform for educating specialists in the region, it was really valuable.”
UK-based Hakim Group hosted the Future in Focus seminars which were structured around the theme of helping independent eyewear businesses capitalise on the lucrative market in the UAE.Speakers from Hakim Group, Mobius Tech and Digitact shared their insight and expertise on how to adapt to a changing market.
Ijaz Awan, Founder of Mobius Tech said: “Overall there has been a positive turn out with everyone being very receptive and asking the right kinds of questions after the talks. This is encouraging as it shows people are up for change, are interested in the latest thinking around the world and how they can bring it to their market.
“As Dubai is such an embryonic market, Vision-X has been a brilliant platform for us to give these talks as well as launch new products. We have had some good conversations with attendees off the back of seminars and we will definitely be moving forward from here.”
Celebrating excellence in the eyewear and optical care industry, the Vision-X VP Awards took place after the first day of the show (6 December) with iconic British designer eyewear brand Linda Farrow taking home the Special Jury Award.
Vision-X will return to the Dubai World Trade Centre from 25-27 October 2016.