Biggest ever Optical Middle East opens doors

HE Mr. Sultan, who was accompanied by a large group of VIPs, leading industry figures and trade and media representatives was taken on a comprehensive tour of the exhibition that brings together all the latest and greatest in the optical and ophthalmic world onto the largest single platform in the Middle East, by DWTC General Manager, Exhibitions, Leasing and Operations, Abdullah Tayyeb Qassem.

'The optical and opthalmic industry that includes the entire spectrum of eyewear and eye care products and machinery has been on a growth surge in recent times and that growth is reflected in the growth of Optical 2004, which has seen a 35 per cent increase in the number of exhibitors,' said Mr. Qassem. '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 Middle East continues to be the platform of choice for industry majors who have their eyes set on tapping the huge potential of this region,' Mr. Abdullah added.

On show at the exhibition which will run till February 29th is an entire range of exhibits from some of the leading industry figures who recognise the signal value of Optical Middle East as the ideal showcase for the burgeoning Middle East 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.

A total of 116 exhibitors 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.

The product profile is as 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.