Innovative Partnership between Dubai World Trade Centre and Magrabi Optical Tests Eyesight of Trade Visitors, DWTC Employees and Public;
36.3 Million People in Eastern Mediterranean Suffer from Vision Impairment
Dubai, United Arab Emirates - A new initiative by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and Magrabi Optical will provide free eye-tests for trade visitors and members of the public at the forthcoming Vision-X Dubai exhibition and conference, which runs from 18 - 20 February 2008.
Taking place at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, a dedicated eye testing station offering the latest in diagnostic technology will provide eye examinations free of charge and is expecting to conduct hundreds of tests throughout the duration of the event.
According to the UAE's Ministry of Health, around 36.3 million people in the Eastern Mediterranean region, including the GCC states, suffer from various types of vision impairment.
Within the affected population, 16 million have refraction deformity, 15 million complain of low vision, and 5.3 million are blind. Optical experts believe that as much as 75 percent of vision disabilities could be avoided by early detection and prevention.
"Dubai World Trade Centre is proud to support this important initiative, which underlines the social contribution that major exhibitions in the healthcare space can make. Vision-X Dubai brings together some of the leading experts in the field of eye-care, and it is important that their expertise is shared with the wider public, as well as their peers in the industry," said Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre.
Opticians and public health experts have expressed concern that levels of patient education regarding optical health are not high enough in the region. Typically, health experts recommend that people visit a trained optician every year, but the evidence suggests that insufficient numbers of people are doing this, for a range of economic and social reasons.
"Eye tests are an important part of maintaining public health and preventing vision impairment. Our aim in supporting this initiative is to drive public awareness of the importance of having your eyes checked," said Fawzi Khalil, District Manager, Magrabi Optical, one of the leading regional optical distribution and retailing companies.
By providing free eyetests, Magrabi Optical and DWTC believe they will be able to reach a significant section of the public who would otherwise not take an examination, as well as generating a wider public discussion around the issues surrounding optical health.
The eye test station will be outside the main exhibition area, and will be staffed by a qualified Optometrist throughout the duration of the event, which runs 18 - 19 February 2008 10am -7pm and 20 February 10am - 3pm.
New for 2008, and in direct response to the diverse needs of the industry, DWTC has segmented Vision-X Dubai into two new sub-brands for 2008: Vision-Opticare which showcases ophthalmic, optometric and technical equipment, instruments and machinery and Vision-Lifestyle featuring the very latest in fashion eyewear and accessories.
Running alongside the exhibition is the Vision-X Dubai Fashion Show and the only specialised optometry conference in the region, the Vision-X Dubai Conference, which takes place from 19-20 February 2008 at Dubai International Conventional and Exhibition Centre, co-organised by DWTC and the Emirates Medical Association Ophthalmic Society (EMAOS).
Vision-X Dubai will be 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 exhibition is open to trade and industry specialists' only, visitors and delegates can register now online at www.vision-x.ae. General public and persons under the age of 21 will not be permitted.
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About Vision-X Dubai
Website: www.vision-x.ae
Vision-X Dubai 2008 is the 9th 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.
Last year, the trade and specialist exhibition welcomed 155 exhibitors from 27 countries and delivered 2,683 trade professionals eager to source the latest products and services.
The Vision-X Dubai conference, organised by EMAOS, is set to be held alongside the exhibition last year and gave eyecare professionals a chance to listen to speakers from all over the region and be involved in discussions and network with industry experts.
About Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)
Website: www.dwtc.com
As the organiser of Vision-X Dubai 2008, Dubai World Trade Centre offers over 28 years' experience of delivering world-class events in the Middle East, providing local, regional and international exhibitors with unmatched expertise and in-depth market knowledge. Our team organises 15 of the largest and most successful international and regional shows in Middle East, providing an ideal platform for business development in the region.
Our commitment to ongoing innovation within the exhibition industry has supported the rapid growth and development of a wide range of business-to-business and business-to-consumer shows, and delivered consistent satisfaction to exhibitors and visitors. DWTC works with the leading trade bodies and industry associations to ensure that all exhibitions deliver full value and are built upon the real needs of their specific sector.
About Magrabi Optical
Magrabi Optical is the Leading Regional Optical Distribution and Retailing Company in the Middle East. It is a member of the Magrabi Medical Holdings, which in turn is a member of the Magrabi Group. Magrabi Group was established in 1927 in Egypt.
For more information, please contact:
Wallis Marketing Consultants
Edward Barnfield
P.O. Box 502281
Tel: +971 4 390 1950
Fax: +971 4 367 2801
Email: edward.barnfield@wallismc.com
Vision-X Dubai - Dubai World Trade Centre
Lucy Clarke
PO Box 9292
Tel: +971 4 308 6904
Fax: +971 4 308 8607
E-mail: lucy.clarke@dwtc.com
© Press Release 2008
