Business & Money | Monday 24 October, 2016 2:25 pm |

The Saudi Association of Optometry has signed a new agreement with Vision-X, the Middle East’s only optical business event, to create collaborative efforts in supporting the eye-care sector across the GCC and wider region.

The partnership has been announced as Dubai prepares to become the focal point of the US$2.67 billion Middle East optical industry once again, when Vision-X opens its doors tomorrow (Tuesday) at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

More than 250 brands will be represented at the three-day exhibition, running until Thursday 27 October, with a host of new collection launches unveiled and innovative technology features displayed on the show floor. 

As the event’s official Association Partner, the Saudi Association of Optometry will be present for the first time to support their members and provide opportunities to create meaningful business opportunities for buyers and sellers in the region.

Bandar G. AL-Aseeri, Board Member of the Saudi Association of Optometry, said: “The aim of the Association is to promote the importance of eye health and good sight, and we are committed to providing our members with the right platforms to source and secure new business.  We collaborate with educational, governmental and non-governmental organisations that advocate healthy eye-care, and it is clear to see the benefits of our new partnership with Vision-X. “

With more than 4,000 buyers from 70 countries registered to attend, sales are expected to be strong amid forecasts that the optical industry is growing, as demand for contact lenses and spectacles in particular rises among older consumers.

A report conducted by global market research organisation GfK, which analysed data up to the end of 2015, found that the MENA market offers vast potential to opticians, eyecare retailers and professionals because of the expected 26% increase in regional population by 2030 compared to 2015, according to the UN World Population Prospects. 

The Vision-X Opticare Conference runs alongside the three day exhibition and is held in cooperation with the International Association of Contact Lens Educators and the European Academy of Optometry and Optics.

“The Conference is a particular highlight for our members,” added AL-Aseeri.  “The Association provides eye-care professionals with educational courses and training programmes in contact lenses, primary eye care, paediatrics and binocular anomalies, low vision and other aspects of vision and eye care.  The opportunity to earn CPD points at the Conference, as well as take part in workshops highlighting the latest techniques for fitting lenses and diagnosing patients will be invaluable.”

Speakers from IACLE and EAOO will be among the experts addressing delegates from around the world in the Vision-X Opticare Conference, highlighting issues such as myopia, paediatrics, low vision and ophthalmic dispensing.

International presence at the three-day trade show has been steady in recent years and Vision-X organisers are reporting an increase globally this year.  The Turkish pavilion has seen its number of exhibitors represented doubled year-on-year, while there is strong representation from Germany, Italy, and South Korea showcasing a range of products. Additionally, many of the major brands and luxury names that dominate the industry will be displaying their latest designs.

Visitors can expect to see the very latest in cutting-edge design, technology and innovation at Vision-X, with dedicated areas such as the Future in Focus and Retail Theatre for business owners and managers to improve their operations.  Returning to the show this year is a host of recognised industry names including Bausch & Lomb, Alcon, GKB Hi Tech, and Anesthesia USA, as well as leading fashion brands such as Future Optic, Ata Optic and Dzmitry Samal.

Celebrating excellence in the eyewear and optical care industry, the Vision-X Vision Plus Awards returns for the third year to provide a platform for leading brands to celebrate the best in business.  The ceremony takes place on 25 October at the Dubai World Trade Centre.