The ophthalmic spectrum: complete and compact
In just under two months, we will see opti, the international trade show for optics & design, return to its traditional pole position at the start of the year. From 13 to 15 January 2023 the ophthalmic family will meet at the Munich Exhibition Centre to find out about new products and trends in the sector and place orders spanning the entire range of ophthalmic goods.
Three full halls are what will now await the trade public in Munich in mid-January. Hall C3 and C4 have been transferred into one so that the first hall now contains all the opti service areas but still adheres to the tried and tested hall structure. The link to the north entrance and the usual transition and circuit to Halls C2 and C1 are even more compact. This benefits exhibitors and visitors alike. Thomas Truckenbrod, President of the Central Association of Opticians and Optometrists (ZVA): “opti is and remains an important meeting point for the sector. Filling the halls more densely will support the industry’s need to exchange ideas – and in this way the trade fair will return to its healthy roots.”
Room and opportunity for exchanging ideas and talks by experts
With regard to making connections. The generous space set aside for the opti CAFÉ powered by ZVA in Hall C3 will provide plenty of room and opportunity for exchanging ideas and listening to talks by experts in January. Also, for the first time, trade visitors will have the chance to seek advice on their social media presence in short 20 minute slots. The social media consultations will be held in German, English and French every day of the trade fair. The experts are Sarah Schleicher, German optician and eyewear blogger with just under 19,000 followers on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/sarah_schleicher_/) and Anne-Sophie Lapetite of AnSoStyle (https://www.instagram.com/ansostyle/), who is from Antibes, is also an optician and an international Instagram star with 100,000 followers. Anyone who would like to reserve their slot in advance can do so on the opti website from December. Meanwhile, the next generation of opticians and hearing experts will have the chance to find out about exciting basic and advanced training opportunities by speaking to the industry’s training providers in the opti CAMPUS, which is right next to the opti CAFÉ.
Newcomers and strong brands
Myopia management is the key focus of opti 2023, as it was at the special May event. Sustainability in optics is also a key issue, once again reinforced by the start-ups in the opti BOXES. 5Loops, for example, aims to personify five values: the use of natural materials, the prevention of waste, a strategy on recycling, cooperation and solidarity. The newcomers from Grasbrunn in the district of Munich will be making their first-ever public appearance and launching their first collection at opti 2023 – and also competing in the second opti BOX AWARD. Also taking part is YQU from Böblingen in Baden-Württemberg, inventors of the 2-in-1 spectacles. A unique spectacle hinge enables the arms of the spectacles to be turned 360 degrees. Combined with the frames, the lenses and a two tone design, the result is an individual pair of 2-in-1-spectacles – sunglasses as well as corrective glasses.
