Optical Middle East the ideal launchpad for international exhibitors

Taking into account the burgeoning regional market for optical and ophthalmic products, it is no surprise that Optical 2004 is set to be bigger, more representative in scope and far more comprehensive than in the previous five editions.

'Growing interest in the high-spending regional market and recognition of the importance of this region as a platform to showcase new products and the event's suitability as a springboard for companies to launch into new areas of interest in three continents is what is spurring the growth of Optical Middle East,' said DWTC Director General, Mubarak bin Fahad.

'The show has grown in stature over the years and this edition is set to achieve new landmarks in terms of number of participants, number of countries, scope, scale and also visitor numbers,' Mr bin Fahad added.

'Overseas interest has surged tremendously, with 97 of the 116 exhibitors who have signed up coming from abroad. This is indicative of the recognition Optical Middle East has received from leading players worldwide as the place to be to have a presence in the Middle East,' Mr. bin Fahad stated.

Overall exhibitor numbers have climbed steeply with 116 signing up for the show - a remarkable 34.88 per cent increase over the last edition of the show and going by the interest generated before and during the build-up visitor numbers are expected to exceed expectations.

Exhibitors drawn from all over the world will be presenting a range of eyewear and eye care products at the biennial event. They range from Germany, France, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, India, China, Korea, Singapore Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Australia and Luxembourg to name a few.

On show will be an entire range of exhibits from many of the leading figures in the industry. The eyewear and eye care industry has been on the up and up in recent times and with Dubai being at the hub of a consumer market of more than two billion people thanks to its geographic location at the junction of three continents, Optical 2003 Middle East 2004 offers exhibitors an ideal launch pad to reach out to a wide market.

Consumers in the region, especially the GCC, spend significant amounts on the purchase of sunglasses, contact lenses, frames; prescription lenses and assorted eye care products, thanks to the extreme climatic conditions and relatively high purchasing power. This keeps the demand for high-end ophthalmic products and branded optical aids high throughout the year.

The people of the region are remarkably fashion conscious and aware of the latest top of the range eye care technology, many owning multiple sets of lenses and other optical or fashion aids. Relatively high levels of disposable incomes make this a market, which is increasingly attractive to industry players worldwide.

The product profile is vast with exhibits including spectacle frames and sunglasses, optical and ophthalmic lenses, accessories, tools and machinery, artificial eyes, optical and ophthalmic equipment and instruments, surgical instruments, spectacle lenses and lens cloths, ophthalmic consumables and eye care products, military optics, diagnostic equipment and instruments, refraction instruments and equipment, lens cutting instruments, orthoptic equipment, sports wear and safety wear among others.

Over the years Optical Middle East has continued to attract a range of high quality visitors from the region and beyond, including importers, distributors, opthalmists, opticians and ancillary industry

professionals, whose primary interest is to study the current and new products available in the market place, source and place orders for new products and to network with fellow professionals who are the best in the industry.