European presence at Optical Middle East expected to be significant in 2002

According to organisers, the biennial event offers a prime opportunity for international manufacturers and distributors to cash-in on the Gulf region's lucrative eyewear market, with an estimated annual value of US $2 billion.

'As the optics industry becomes more high-tech, a range of cutting edge lens and machine designs are vying for attention. The optic industry is a fast-paced one, where products are launched and quickly made obsolete as new and improved designs and techniques are adapted. The Middle East International Optical and Ophthalmic Exhibition, enables the region's optic sector to keep abreast of new technologies and designs, even though the average spectacular-wearer may not be able to distinguish between the old and new. Many European participants are on the threshold of the hi-tech era and will feature a range of innovative options ' says Jacqueline Reed, International Project Manager for Middle East Optical 2002.

Among the European companies to have already confirmed their paricipation in the event are: Breitfeld & Schliekert Gmbh and Rodenstock of Germany; Avizor International of Spain; Bulimar Optical Group and Cerium Group Ltd of the UK; Elce France, Wood France and Odo of France; Gerber Coburn Optical International Inc. of the Netherlands; LTL Spa and Po-Le Optick S.A.S. Di Mario Postizzi & Co. of Italy; and Silhouette International Schmied AG and Solsat Brillenmode of Austria.

Multifunctional versatility is a key feature of new eyewear products and exhibitors participating in Middle East Optical 2002 will feature a range of new products for increasingly sophisticated markets.