Free eye-testing available at Vision-X Dubai 2008

Taking place at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, a dedicated eye testing station offering the latest in diagnostic technology will provide eye examinations free of charge and is expecting to conduct hundreds of tests throughout the duration of the event.

According to the UAE's Ministry of Health, around 36.3 million people in the Eastern Mediterranean region, including the GCC states, suffer from various types of vision impairment.

Within the affected population, 16 million have refraction deformity, 15 million complain of low vision, and 5.3 million are blind. Optical experts believe that as much as 75% of vision disabilities could be avoided by early detection and prevention.

"Dubai World Trade Centre is proud to support this important initiative, which underlines the social contribution that major exhibitions in the healthcare space can make. Vision-X Dubai brings together some of the leading experts in the field of eye-care, and it is important that their expertise is shared with the wider public, as well as their peers in the industry,"

said Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre.

Opticians and public health experts have expressed concern that levels of patient education regarding optical health are not high enough in the region. Typically, health experts recommend that people visit a trained optician every year, but the evidence suggests that insufficient numbers of people are doing this, for a range of economic and social reasons.

"Eye tests are an important part of maintaining public health and preventing vision impairment. Our aim in supporting this initiative is to drive public awareness of the importance of having your eyes checked," said Fawzi Khalil, District Manager, Magrabi Optical, one of the leading regional optical distribution and retailing companies.

By providing free eyetests, Magrabi Optical and DWTC believe they will be able to reach a significant section of the public who would otherwise not take an examination, as well as generating a wider public discussion around the issues surrounding optical health.

The eye test station will be outside the main exhibition area, and will be staffed by a qualified Optometrist throughout the duration of the event, which runs 18 - 19 February 2008 10am -7pm and 20 February 10am - 3pm.

New for 2008, and in direct response to the diverse needs of the industry, DWTC has segmented Vision-X Dubai into two new sub-brands for 2008: Vision-Opticare which showcases ophthalmic, optometric and technical equipment, instruments and machinery and Vision-Lifestyle featuring the very latest in fashion eyewear and accessories.

Running alongside the exhibition is the Vision-X Dubai Fashion Show and the only specialised optometry conference in the region, the Vision-X Dubai Conference, which takes place from 19-20 February 2008 at Dubai International Conventional and Exhibition Centre, co-organised by DWTC and the Emirates Medical Association Ophthalmic Society (EMAOS).

Vision-X Dubai will be held in Sheikh Rashid hall at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) from 18 - 19 February 2008 10am -7pm and 20 February 10am - 3pm.

The exhibition is open to trade and industry specialists' only, visitors and delegates can register now online. General public and persons under the age of 21 will not be permitted.