Dubai, Feb 13th, 2006 (WAM) - Vision-X Dubai 2006, the 7th Optical and Ophthalmic Exhibition and Conference, today began a major congress of international and regional experts that will present and discuss the latest in trends and developments in the industry.

The two-day programme, running from the 13 - 14 February 2006, will involve a number of international speakers, including Dr.

R. Knajian from Johnson & Johnson Vision Care - MENA, Dr. D.Uttenweiler, Head of Research of the Ophthalmic & Optics Division, Rodenstock, Germany, and Consultant Ophthalmologist at the Department of Health & Medical Services, Dubai, Dr. Hani Sakla, according to a press release.

Dr. Ali Ahmed Bin Shakar, Chairman of Emirates Medical Association Ophthalmic Society (EMAOS) which is organizing the inaugural Vision-X Dubai 2006 conference, said: "With a fast-growing population and high demand for both medical and fashion eyewear, the Middle East's optical and ophthalmic industry is worth an estimated US$2 billion." The Optical Conference, say organisers, is aimed at establishing a good educational program and is one of the few conferences which targets both Ophthalmologists and Optometrists.

There will be a wide spectrum of topics, ranging from the basics of refraction and correction of refractory errors to the complicated eye diseases that can influence the refraction.

"Research in the field of refraction is growing rapidly and, every day new techniques are being developed, improved and safer and 'best practice' methods are discovered to help both Ophthalmologists and Optometrists provide a good and satisfactory result," added Dr. Shakar.

For those seeking a more advanced level of education, the scientific committee has organized a second day to discuss diseases of the cornea, and how they influence refraction, followed by the management of those diseases. The program will end with the presentation of a clinical study conducted by an Ophthalmology team at Dubai Hospital. This study will present the results of using specially designed intraocular lenses with multiple optical zones, the so-called multifocal lenses.

Lecturers for the conference come from Germany, USA, Egypt, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

The Optical Conference is part of the Vision-X Dubai Expo and regular features will see exhibitors from related industries showcasing the latest in frames, prescription sunglasses, lenses and accessories, tools and machinery, optical and ophthalmic equipment, surgical instruments, military optics, diagnostic instruments, ophthalmic products and sports and safety glasses.

Vision-X Dubai will be held in Hall 2 of the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre (DICEC) from 12 - 14 February.

The Optical Conference will be on 13 and 14 February 2006.

Vision-X, Dubai 2006, formerly known as Optical Middle East, is the 7th Optical & Ophthalmic Exhibition and Conference. It is the largest regional exhibition for the latest in eyewear, optical aids and accessories in an exciting and dynamic market.

The trade and specialist exhibition is a cost-effective way to maintain and expand your market share and the ideal platform to launch new products and services.