Middle East opticare industry Inhabited by Outdated Systems

The Middle East’s opticare industry is being held back by outdated internal systems and software, and is in desperate need of an overhaul in order to meet and exceed the needs of the market, ecommerce experts say.

Greek eBusiness specialists, MainSys, have sounded the warning in the countdown to next month’s Vision-X, the region’s largest eyewear and eyecare exposition being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 25-27 October 2016.

George Plavoukos, CEO of MainSys said: “Based off our current clientele within the region we have found that their existing software is out-dated and due to for some modernising.

“There is a real opportunity now for the eyecare industry to renovate and streamline the way they do business and not only increase their ROI but ultimately provide the end-user with a better experience. By doing this, local companies will be going above and beyond the needs of the market.

“Over the past 10 years, we have served more than 2.500 opticians in four different countries years, and we have seen how our software has helped businesses grow in the past. We are sure that Status Orama provides a crucial service for shop owners, helping them transform the way they do business.   

Showcasing their product at the 17th edition of Vision-X, MainSys will be one of many international exhibitors providing innovative solutions for the GCC’s eyecare industry.

Plavoukos, also joined by experts from Vision RX Labs, will host a series of talks during the Future in Focus seminars, highlighting the benefits of installing and implementing automated customer feedback systems to companies operating in the region.

Attracting more than 4,000 buyers from over 70 countries, Vision-X will showcase more than 250 brands, with dedicated areas including a Consultancy Clinic which will aid companies by helping them identify growth opportunities within the region.

David Lewis, Head of Optics and Digital at GfK, the event’s Knowledge Partner and hosts of the clinic, said: “Understanding the market landscape in which you operate in is imperative when identifying growth prospects for your business.”

“The Consultancy Clinic will provide companies with insight on how they can go about optimising their business in the region. Our on-site team of industry experts will work with companies to address their specific business issues, and through insight gained from GfK market research, will provide guidance on what effective strategies they can pursue.

“By hosting this clinic, we intend to not only support regional manufacturers and retailers while they develop their businesses but also gain a greater and more in-depth understanding of the pressure points facing companies as they expand. This in turn will allow us to provide deeper insight service to our partners in the future.”

In cooperation with the International Association of Contact Lens Educator (IACLE) and the European Academy of Optometry and Optics (ECCO), this year’s Vision-X Opticare Conference will offer delegates a valuable opportunity to earn CPD points for their practices as well as provide insightful workshops highlgihting the latest techniques for fitting lenses and diagnosing patients.

Visitors can expect to see the very latest in cutting-edge design, technology and innovation at Vision-X.  Returning to the show this year are a host of recognised industry names including Baush & Lomb, Alcon, GKB Hi Tech, and Anesthesia USA, as well as leading fashion brands such as Future Optic, Ata Optic and Dzmitry Samal. Speakers from International Association of Contact Lens Educators and European Academy of Optometry and Optics will be among the experts addressing delegates from around the world in the Vision-X Opticare Conference, highlighting issues such as myopia, paediatrics, low vision and ophthalmic dispensing.

Celebrating excellence in the eyewear and optical care industry, the Vision-X Vision Plus Awards returns for the third year to provide a platform for leading brands to celebrate the best in business. The ceremony takes place on 25 October at the Dubai World Trade Centre.