DUBAI – Reflecting the growth of the Middle East market, organizers are reporting the largest exhibition ever for next month’s Vision- X Dubai 2008, the 9th Optical and Ophthalmic Exhibition and Conference for the optical and ophthalmic industry to be held from Feb. 18 to 20 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Organizers say that this year’s event received strong endorsement from international suppliers, boosted by the largest ever staging by the German pavilion, and for the first time ever at the event, an Italian pavilion. This year there will be over 160 companies from 27 countries exibiting their products and services.

“The strong support received from the broad selection of equipment manufacturers and healthcare providers for Vision-X Dubai has further affirmed the events position as the leading ophthalmic and optical platform for the region” said Helal Saeed Al Marri, director general, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), organizer of the event.

Rodenstock will again be a platinum sponsor. “Vision-X Dubai has joined the ranks of world leading optical exhibitions that companies need to have in their diary. It is definitely a great show to develop more sales, increase market share and make new contacts in this fast-developing region” added Ignatio Torres, sales director, Nikon, Kuwait. Other brands being show cased at this year’s event include Giordano, Laura Ashley, Levis, Paparazzi, Porsche Design and Puma Eyewear.

The show is introducing two new sections within the exhibition: Vision-Opticare will facilitate the needs of medical and technical professionals in the mid level eyecare industry, showcasing the latest in ophthalmic, optometric and technical equipment, instruments and machiner;. Vision Lifestyle which will cater to the fashion industry featuring branded eyewear as well as unique international designs.

Also for the first time at the event will be the Vision-X Dubai Fashion Show which will feature the very best in fashion eyewear from around the world. The show will take place within the exhibition and run twice daily, showcasing brands such as Porsche Eyewear, Davinci, Puma Eyewear, Lacoste, Spy Optic and many more.

Running alongside the exhibition will be the 3rd edition of the Vision-X Dubai Conference, which is co-organised by DWTC and the Emirates Medical Association Ophthalmic Society (EMAOS). This two day conference will be the first conference in the Gulf region to cater purely to optometrists. Renowned speakers from around the world will cover topics such as basic optometry and refraction, clinical optometry, contact lenses and low vision. All attendees will be accredited with a Certificate of Continuing Medical education and professionals can register for the conference on line at www.vision-x.ae. Vision-X Dubai Conference is organized by Emirates Medical Association Ophthalmic Society (EMAOS).