Optrafair Exchange – but not as you know it!

The FMO is delighted to announce Optrafair, the UK’s flagship optical exhibition, is officially re-launched and open for registrations ahead of the show taking place 30 March-1 April 2019, Birmingham NEC.

Optrafair Exchange

Alongside the fresh new theme is a new name – Optrafair Exchange – illustrating there is no better place to exchange knowledge, ideas and inspiration than a live event of the scale and depth offered by Optrafair.

FMO chairman, Andy Yorke said “Optics is changing. Innovation and adaptability are now more important than ever for optical professionals to future proof their practice. The modern optician needs to diversify and invest, push the boundaries and explore new opportunities. As primary care providers, Opticians are perfectly placed to seize the opportunity that is everywhere.”

Yorke continued “Positioning your High Street practice as a primary care provider for sensory health will more than double your potential audience overnight and will improve patient care. Find out how you can increase footfall, balance clinical services with retail fashion, break through barriers to distributed care, discover new revenue streams to grow your practice and network with allied professionals and ophthalmologists to forge new patient pathways.”

Optrafair places these drivers at its very core and the 2019 event is widening its reach to incorporate Fashion, Medicalisation and Optics. ‘Fashion’ returned to Optrafair in 2018 with the Spectrum Catwalk at great acclaim. ‘Optics’ is embedded in Optrafair’s DNA as the showcase of the FMO and its members. ‘Medicalisation’ focuses on the additional opportunities available to practices through audiology, ophthalmology, pharmaceuticals and more. Fashion, Medicalisation and Optics will run throughout the show including new exhibitors and dedicated CET streams.

Better Together 

Alongside a larger exhibition will be a completely restructured education programme coordinated by the FMO with the support of its partners in the sector. This diverse programme covers eight distinct streams; Dispensing, Contact Lenses, Orthoptic, Refractive, Health & Lifestyle, Technician, Clinical Optometry and Business.

Ed Wyre, event director said “We’ve worked hard alongside the FMO and the profession to identify the needs of today’s optical professionals. The new approach to CET at Optrafair will ensure there is plenty on offer for the whole practice team yet increasing dwell time on the show floor to browse the latest technology and solutions offered by our exhibitors.”

Optrafair is unique in that it is owned by the FMO, and therefore owned by the sector itself. The FMO is working closely with organisations such as ABDO, BCLA, The College of Optometrists and more to ensure it truly reflects the needs of the entire profession.

Industry support

The FMO is also delighted to announce the early commitment and support of Optos and Topcon as platinum sponsors, and Heidelberg Engineering as gold sponsor of Optrafair Exchange. These headline sponsors are spearheading a larger exhibition floor which is now 85% sold.

Over the coming weeks and months, a vibrant and all-encompassing marketing campaign will showcase all that Optrafair Exchange has to offer. Register now. #AreYouReady?

For more information head to www.optrafair.co.uk