What a fine show it turned out to be for Optic India and the sector as a whole. The premier optics trade fair returned to the relatively new venue, the CIDCO (City and Industrial

Development Corporation) Exhibition Centre, a state-of-the-art exhibition and convention centre in Vashi, Navi Mumbai, from 20 to 22 January 2018.

The international trade fair and exhibition in ophthalmic optics was inaugurated by office bearers of the Mumbai Optical Association – a happy start that soon saw a lot of movement to check out the latest offerings, intense trade talks and networking.

The venue was abuzz with excitement and expectation as exhibitors and visitors took in the ambience and the extended space. The additional mezzanine floor space was very much needed as with 146 stall bookings, 32 more had to be accommodated as well. The number of visitors from the trade over the three busy days was

Expanded

Optic India 2018 sees huge turnout

EXHIBITION REVIEW

MOA members inaugurating the exhibition

The Indian OPTICIAN

JAN-FEB 2018| 100

around 12,000, all keen to catch the latest offerings at the country’s premier optics trade fair. Overseas visitors were from different parts of the globe: Africa, China, Canada, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, Nepal, South Korea, Taiwan and Zambia.

Alongside the Indian exhibitors, who were from all corners of the country, there were manufacturing companies and fair organisers from Korea, China and Hong Kong including DIOPS, the Wenzhou International Optics Fair, and Schneider Optical Machines, Hong Kong.

Indians’ passion for fashion has never been stronger and it’s getting bigger by the day. While need-based products are much in demand, the popularity of designer, luxury and branded eyewear too continues to see healthy growth.

Mumbai-based Sterling Metaplast India Pvt Ltd, noted distributors of top global brands such as Calvin Klein, Nike and Tommy Hilfiger, was the main sponsor of Optic India 2018. Co-sponsors included Suprol, ENRICO, Mangalsons, Pitt & Mitt, RKOS, Scavin and Killer.

The show lived up to its name as an invaluable platform for business prospects in a country that is seeing strong growth in the sector. Professionals and businesses recognise Optic India as a great trade event to promote products, launch new concepts, explore new business channels, and learn about the latest innovations, technology and trends.

The products featured the latest in spectacle frames, sunglasses, optical accessories, contact lenses and related accessories, hi-tech products, optical and ophthalmic instruments, equipment, software, display systems and solutions for optical showrooms, optical instruments, machinery for lenses and frames, computerised frame selection systems, and raw materials.

The SLK-CEP, an integral part of the show conducted by senior faculty members, once again offered professional seminars designed for practicing opticians to keep abreast of the latest in the industry. Details about the programme are also covered in this issue of The Indian Optician.

The Indian OPTICIAN

JAN-FEB 2018| 102

many of the stalls that housed machinery and equipment were not spacious enough for people to walk around comfortably.

Mr Mehta also felt that since the venue was large, just one point for entry and exit were not adequate as it made for a lot of extra walking. Another valuable suggestion was to have more walking room between the stalls. He was all praise though for the food court that he said served good cuisine.

“The Navsari District Optical Association, the Valsad District Optical Association, Maharashtra Optical Association from Pune and many others arranged transport for their members to attend Optic India, and all at a reasonable cost. This was a nice move for the optical industry that made for a good show of unity as well as support for the exhibition.”

“The exhibition was very good and well organised,” said Vikram Pattani, CEO of Mumbai-based Styl Rite Optical Industries. “The RSD team did an excellent job. All the stalls in Hall 1 gave the appearance of an international level of exhibition.”

Optic India in Mumbai and In-Optics in New Delhi are noted as the Indian subcontinent’s most influential international trade fairs in ophthalmic optics, and among the most important international optical events in Asia. RSD Expositions, the Delhi-based organiser of the shows, is a partner company of The Indian Optician, the leading bi-monthly publication dedicated to ophthalmic optics. Its first international trade fair and exhibition in ophthalmic optics, then known as INDOPTICA, was held in 1978 and since then it has established itself both at home and abroad as a specialist in organising trade shows.

Feedback collated at the time of going to the press indicate that exhibitors, delegates and professionals were pleased indeed with the quality and variety of Optic India and are looking forward to the next edition and the vital role it plays for all stakeholders in the industry.

Impressed with the show and the arrangements, Mr. Vinod Mehta of Vijay Optical House and current president of the Navsari District Optical Association commented: “There seemed to be more visitors than ever before and the stalls were spacious and well decorated. Many new international brands of sunglasses, frames, lenses, contact lenses, and machinery were on display. I hope that in future too the show will be as big and of the same international standards.”

“Multinational companies such as Safilo and Luxottica as well as many Indian distributors of global brands had large stalls that were eye-catching with their décor, well placed LED lights and promotional material.” However, he added,

Indian film and television actor Ronit Roy, brand ambassador for SETO at Optic Inida 2018

Stylrite displayed the Porsche car at Optic India to emphasise the similarities between the car and the Porsche Eyewear brand marketed by the company

The Indian OPTICIAN

JAN-FEB 2018| 104