ISTANBUL—The International Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair wrapped up a “colorful, connected, energetic” four-day session Dec. 3, marking the fifth anniversary of the fair, according to organizers. The fair, held in Istanbul Fair Center Yesilkoy, kicked off Nov. 30 in halls 9 and 10.

Silmo Istanbul 2017, a result of the partnership between 24 Saat Fuarcilik and Silmo International, once again proved its importance in the optical sector with its exhibitors, visitors, training meetings and trade volume at both a national and international level, according to a statement from the organizers. Attendance also rose this year, with Silmo Istanbul hosting 9,246 visitors (a 6.6 percent increase compared with 2016) and the number of international visitors increased 24.5 percent to 1,276 attendees, according to the announcement.

Silmo Istanbul 2017, which added 1,500 square meters to its service area, presented products of 120 exhibitors representing almost 600 brands for the 2017-2018 optical assortments, contact lenses, contact lens accessories and maintenance equipment, sunglasses, optometric, ophthalmologic apparatus and accessories, ophthalmological measurement diagnostic, optical workshop and laboratory equipment, spectacle parts, optical industrial machines and all new technological developments.

“Silmo Istanbul has successfully accomplished its unifying and developing role in 2017 with its mission of meeting and developing the optical sector of Turkey with the optical sectors of Europe, Asia, Eurasia and Near-Middle East,” the announcement noted. “Silmo Istanbul 2017 has achieved success in line with its mission by helping to increase the number of international visitors, and especially the promotion of domestic investors and brands on the international platform and the growth of Turkey’s trade volume.”

Organizers said they believe “this is a sign that the Middle East and European countries will see Silmo Istanbul among the important trade centers in the coming years.”

In addition, Silmo Istanbul 2017 hosted for the second time the “From the Past to Present Opticianry” exhibition, which displayed countless spectacles, optical products and devices from the 1800s to present day.

In 2018, Silmo Istanbul is scheduled to run from Nov. 29 until Dec. 2.