Vision-X Dubai closes with multi-million dollar deals

The 12^th edition of Vision-X Dubai, the region’s largest and most influential exhibition for the optical and ophthalmic industry ended on a high, with millions of dollars’ worth of business conducted onsite and even more to follow.

Held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from 24-26 May 2011, the show demonstrated its international standing with more than 120 companies from over 20 countries. Playing host to both the medical and retail sectors of the industry, many of the exhibitors hailed the event as vital for the Middle East ophthalmic industry.

"Sales for our ophthalmic diagnostic equipment, lenses, frames and sunglasses passed AED 6 million in the first two days of the show," said Foad Samadani Marketing Manager, Egma Lens, which has participated in the event for five years. "Our stand was larger than ever and Vision-X Dubai has helped without a doubt to expand beyond the GCC markets.”

Samer Kallaos, Area Sales Manager of Essilor Amico L.L.C. UAE  commented: “Vision-X Dubai enables us to meet new customers and broaden our market reach.  We have gained a strong presence in all GCC countries and now we are looking at expanding into Iran and have made some excellent new contacts from that market. Vision-X Dubai is an extremely important event for everybody in the optometry industry because it is so targeted and yet so comprehensive.”

The importance of Vision-X Dubai as a gateway into the Middle East markets was demonstrated by the participation of a number of national pavilions including Germany, France, Italy and Hong Kong which took part in both the ‘Vision Opticare’ and ‘Vision Lifestyle’ segments of the show.

This year’s potential for business growth within the region was recognised as one of the best in recent years. Hussain Al-Wazzan, Vice President, Nikon commented: “We’ve been at Vision-X Dubai for 5 years and we have seen a tremendous increase in the number of quality visitors and exhibitors. The opportunities are fantastic as we welcome visitors from the whole market including Iran and Saudi Arabia, which are extremely important to the industry as a whole."

As a key knowledge exchange platform for the region’s professionals, the Vision-X Dubai Conference, co-organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and the Emirates Medical Association Ophthalmic Society (EMAOS), accredited professionals with a Certificate of Continuing Medical Education.  Led this year by Dr. Mohammad A. Hafeez, Consultant Oculoplastics, FRCS - Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, UK and Fellow at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, USA, the conference focused on new advances in visual fields analysis and latest techniques in facial aesthetic enhancement.

“Vision-X Dubai plays a vital role in keeping regional professionals up-to-date with the latest technology, expertise and products available internationally,” said Trixee Loh, Senior Vice President of DWTC, organiser of Vision-X Dubai. “This region is an extremely important market for the industry on a global scale and offers exceptional opportunities for business growth. Being able to target specific clients means a more efficient use of time and resources, and as we have seen from this year’s event, the results are both profitable and tangible.”

Visitors also attended free daily seminars which ran throughout the event, from Egma Lens, showcasing their new range of products and services for the Middle East, and a twice-daily fashion catwalk attracted a large number of ophthalmic lifestyle companies.

The event was rounded off with a raffle draw for a thrilling SEA WING 40 minute "dock to dock" aerial experience focusing on the Burj Khalifa and the Burj Al Arab, valued at AED 1,249 each. The prizes were won by Mr Sabri Al Zein, Al Basar International Foundation, Mr. Ayman  Ellaithy, Dream Optical Centre, Mr. Vikas Chopra, Indian Optics and Mr. Sherif Hamdy Allaithy, Edayliah Optics.

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