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VISION-X DUBAI 2008 DRAWS INTERNATIONAL SPECIALISTS
Feb. 18, 2008
UAE Minister of Health, His Excellency Humaid Mohammed Obeid Al Qutami Opens Region's Largest Optical Exhibition
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Vision- X Dubai 2008, the region's premier business platform and conference for the optical and ophthalmic industry, was today officially inaugurated by the UAE Minister of Health, His Excellency Humaid Mohammed Obeid Al Qutami.
The event, which runs from 18-20 February at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, has attracted over 150 companies from 26 countries this year, with major national pavilions from Italy and Germany displaying a range of the latest fashions and innovations in eyewear and eye care.
Exhibitors and visitors on the first day have praised the decision by organiser Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) to segment the show into two specific industry areas, Vision-Lifestyle for fashion and Vision-Opticare for medical and technical professionals.
Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, DWTC, said: "This year's Vision-X Dubai has been tailored to meet the needs of the industry, offering a number of innovations including the region's first dedicated conference for Optometrists and the first-ever Vision-X Fashion Show. We are very encouraged by the strong support of our exhibitors for these new features, and anticipate a strong response from visitors."
Organisers report enthusiastic opening and high registration numbers on the first day, demonstrating the dynamism of the optical and ophthalmic industries in the Middle East and wider region.
"The evolution of Vision-X Dubai as a trade platform reflects the ongoing development of the industry as a whole, as both the fashion and healthcare sectors continue to offer a wider, more diverse range of products and treatments," said Peter Frankenstein, Manager of Consumer Optics & Spokesperson for SPECTARIS, part of the German pavilion, the largest national pavilion at the show.
In particular, the inaugural Vision-X Dubai Fashion Show drew an impressive and appreciative crowd. Among the highlights were displays from Egma Lens Factory, presenting Porsche Design and Rodenstock; Euphoria Trading presenting Puma and Lacoste; PMI showcasing Davinci, Venecia, Rudy Project and Serengeti Eyewear; and Maui Jim presenting Maui Jim Sunglasses.
Healthcare issues surrounding eye care and best practice will be tackled at the Vision-X Dubai Conference, taking place on 19-20 February, which is co-organised by DWTC and the Emirates Medical Association Ophthalmic Society (EMAOS). The event is the first in the region to focus entirely on key issues for Optometrists and mid-eve level care providers.
Topics covered by the conference include a keynote speech from Dr. John Steile, Chief Optometrist, Al Magrabi Eye Hospital on the future direction of Optometry. The Conference will feature scientific sessions on conditions ranging from ocular surface disease, Astigmatism, binocular vision and low vision.
All attendees will be accredited with a 'Certificate of Continuing Medical Education'.
Vision-X Dubai is being 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 Vision-X Dubai Conference, organised by Emirates Medical Association Ophthalmic Society (EMAOS) will be held on 19 - 20 February 2008.
The exhibition is open to trade and industry specialists' only, visitors and delegates can register now on-site. General public and persons under the age of 21 will not be permitted.