BIRMINGHAM, U.K.—Organizers of the United Kingdom’s biennial Optrafair ’09, which just completed its run here earlier this week, attracted visitors interested in the latest optical products, eyewear fashion, practice technology and clinical education, however, attendance was down by 14 percent compared to the 2007 edition of the fair.

The Federation of Manufacturing Opticians (FMO) represents ophthalmic companies involved in all aspects of manufacturing, importing and wholesaling spectacles and the group owns and manages Optrafair. A statement from the group said that 6,505 visitors from all parts of the U.K. attended this year’s event. “Greater opportunities for the most forward thinking opticians were in abundance, with more overseas exhibitors than ever before. Independents, particularly, are clearly committed to upping their offering—in every aspect of what they bring to patients. The interest was in how independents can differentiate themselves in the market and stay ahead of the competition,” said FMO chairman, Andrew Actman.

Fifty-six new exhibitors participated in the show this year, and many exhibitor comments were favorable. “This was a great improvement over previous shows and we were delighted to be here, so much so that I have booked the same space for the next show. People came to buy and have been serious about buying,” said Robert Morris, founder of William Morris Eyewear. Andy Yorke, Topcon director of Medical Division, agreed: “We had a fantastic Optrafair and the star of the Show was OCT. Many optoms are trying to bridge the gap and OCT provides just that.” Barney Streeting, head of product for the Vision Express retail chain said, “I am very impressed by the show. It is well organized and well laid out, and I was surprised how many people attended, even on the Monday.”

The new entrance to the show featured the launch of Optrafair TV, with live interviews and news from the show floor. The OT LIVE arena, offered free CET lectures, for which attendees were awarded CET points. “It was terrific for us and added great vibrancy to the show. The sessions were packed with hundreds of delegates attending the lectures and the quality of the area was excellent—we were delighted,” said Bob Hughes, AOP chief executive.

Fashion came into focus with the Royal College of Art-judged 2009 Optra Awards presented as the show opened on Saturday morning. Winners in the Women's Ophthalmic category were: Scandinavian Eyewear for Skaga 2403, first place; Luxottica for RayBan 5154-2373, second place; and Caseco for Art 1165, third place. Winners in the Men's Ophthalmic category were: Luxottica for RayBan 5154-2000, first place; Pro-Design International for Pro-Design 7604-C603, second place; and Eschenbach for Brendel 903501, third place.

Winners in the Children's Ophthalmic category were: Luxottica for RayBan 1517-354, first place; Centro Style for Active 15682, second place; and Zoobug for Charlie 44A Flexibug, third place. Winners in the Women's Sunglass category were: Caseco for Aurore 11, first place; Scandinavian Eyewear for 8324/9501 AG Peace 1, second place; and Luxottica for Vogue VO2512-S, third place. Winners in the Men's Sunglasses category were: Rodenstock for Porsche Design p8481c, first place; International Eyewear for Ocean Blue 9022, second place; and Eschenbach for Titanflex 824006, third place.

Displayed at the heart of the show in the Royal College of Art Gallery, the winning frames were part of an inspired co-operation with the RCA which opened graduate fashion students’ minds to the opportunities of designing eyewear.

More info and photos of the Optrafair are posted on www.optrafair.co.uk.