Vision-x Dubai Eyes Us$ 2 Billion Growing Middle East Optical Care Market

April 19, 2010 - PRLog -- With hot climatic conditions that make protection of the eyes a key health issue and a fast-growing population with one of the highest per capita disposable incomes in the world,  the Middle East region is of significant importance for both the medical and fashion segments of the opthalmic and optical industry.

Currently worth an estimated US$ 2 billion, growth of the regional market is being driven by continued affluence and increasing access to high-end healthcare.

The importance of this growing market is evidenced by the participation of most major industry suppliers at this year’s Vision-X Dubai, the region’s all-inclusive trade industry exhibition which runs from 18 – 20 May 2010 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC).

A well-established and internationally recognised strategic platform for business opportunity in the Middle East and neighbouring regions, the show has already attracted more than 220 companies and brands from 23 countries, including strong presence in country-dedicated pavilions from Germany, France and Italy as well as first time participation from Iran and Syria.

“Vision-X Dubai serves as a very effective platform for this specialised community to network and exchange pest practices with the aim of improving the region’s eyecare standards,” said Trixee Loh, Senior Vice President of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), organiser of Vision-X Dubai.

“Globally, the industry makes advances daily and it is vital that the profession in our region gain access to the latest information, breakthrough medical procedures and equipment being developed in order to offer international standards of expertise. Vision-X Dubai has an important role to play in ensuring that the latest products and services internationally are showcased locally.”

With the eyecare industry encompassing the burgeoning fashion eyewear market and serious medical eyecare management, Vision-X Dubai provides a platform for both with two sub-divisions within the exhibition. Vision-Lifestyle will feature the latest trends in eyewear from leading designer labels, while Vision-Opticare will highlight the most advanced opthalmic, optometric and technical equipment.

In addition, a key knowledge exchange platform for the region’s professionals is the annual Vision-X Dubai Conference, co-organised by DWTC and the Emirates Medical Association Ophthalmic Society (EMAOS), and taking place on 20 May 2010.  

Led this year by Dr. M. Alaa El Danasoury, a global pioneer in refractive surgery and the President of the International Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, the conference will focus on updates in cornea and refractive surgery and advancements in related technology. An additional video symposium will provide access to demonstrations of complex eye surgery procedures.

Dr Manal Omran Taryam, President of the EMAOS said:  “Dr. El Danasoury is one of the most respected professionals in our industry, both regionally and worldwide, and his insights regarding the latest technologies and procedures in vision correction surgery will be invaluable for the professionals in our region.”

The conference is internationally recognised and delegates will be accredited with a Certificate of Continuing Medical Education. Professionals can pre-register for the conference online at www.vision-x.ae.  

Additional opportunities for knowledge sharing include a series of practical business development and education seminars running during the first two days of the exhibition. These include a joint workshop with Nikon and Maui Jim offering practical insights in successful premium retail strategies and a session on the development of lens technology over the past decade facilitated by Egma Lens Factory.

“Access to the information and expertise is critical for professionals in any industry, but no more so than for those in the medical and healthcare sector. With the increasing focus of the Middle East governments on the provision of international standards in healthcare, it is vital that professionals in this region are equipped to provide the best in service, products and expertise. Vision-X Dubai provides access to all these elements,” said Loh.

Vision-X Dubai will be held in Sheikh Saeed Halls 2 & 3 at DICEC from 18 - 20 May 2010. The Vision-X Dubai Conference, organised by Emirates Medical Association Ophthalmic Society (EMAOS) will be held on 20 May 2010.

For more information please visit www.vision-x.ae, or contact the Vision-X Dubai project team on (+971) 4 308 6614.

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Dubai World Trade Centre offers more than 31 years’ experience of delivering world-class events in the Middle East, providing local, regional and international exhibitors with unmatched expertise and in-depth market knowledge.