“Major coup” announced as Optrafair 20/20 opens bookings

Professor Sunil Shah will perform live femto-second surgery

Registration has opened for Optrafair 20/20, with news of a range of fresh features and a “major coup”.

Taking place from 4-6 April 2020, Optrafair 20/20 will see the end of the Federation of Manufacturing Opticians’ (FMO) long-running association with the NEC Birmingham. In 2021, the show will move to the Ricoh Arena in Coventry, and will be held over two days during the week rather than at the weekend.

“Optrafair 20/20 will be our last at the NEC and because of the year 2020, it will be a massive celebration of optics and all things optical,” said FMO chairman, Andy Yorke. “It promises to be a fantastic farewell to the NEC, which has hosted Optrafair for more than 20 years.”

A highlight of the event will see Professor Sunil Shah perform live femto-second surgery streamed from the Midland Eye, followed by a Q&A session.

“This is a major coup for Optrafair 20/20,” said David Ellison, FMO operations director. “Sunil will be one of many world-class speakers at Optrafair 20/20, where the focus is firmly on technology.”

Also topping the bill will be ophthalmologist Pearse Keane, who has been awarded the inaugural Optrafair Lecture. During his lecture, Pearse will discuss why he believes that optometry and ophthalmology could be fundamentally reinvented through the application of artificial intelligence (AI).

The 2020 programme will deliver a raft of new features

In terms of new show features, 2020 will see the launch of the Iris, a stage where 2019’s dynamic catwalk will be integrated with keynote lectures delivered by industry leaders.

Added to this will be the new Practice Owners’ Lounge, a space for practice owners to gather and network over complimentary refreshments. The new Profs’ Corner will allow visitors to network with selected speakers, while the Frames Boulevard will showcase the latest design trends in a “rustic set-up”.

A new Ophthalmology Theatre will explore topics such as the relationship between optometry and ophthalmology, and how optical professionals can expand their practice.

Speaking as registration kicks off, show organiser and portfolio director Jon Pittock said: “Over the years, Optrafair has well and truly established itself as the biggest and most influential event in the sector, both for delegates and exhibitors. It is the place to visit in order to keep on top of the latest best practice, technology and design trends, as well as to network with the most high-level people in the industry.

“With the addition of a large variety of new features, we believe that this year will be the best ever.”

View the Optrafair 20/20 programme and other show news here – and register for a free entry pass here.

Learn more about Pearse Keane’s AI research in the December 2019 issue of Dispensing Optics, and about Professor Shah’s sight-saving work in Cambodia with the charity, Khmer Sight Foundation, in the January 2020 issue.