LONDON—Emergexpo, the organizer of The Eye Show, the new Optical and Ophthalmic Exhibition and Conference taking place on Feb. 12 to 14 2013 at London’s ExCeL Exhibition and Conference Centre, has announced that its comprehensive VIP Hosted Buyer programme is under way and the registration process has gone live.

Ida Ofori, Eye Show’s Hosted Buyer manager explained, “The VIP Hosted Buyer programme, accommodating over 100 carefully selected senior decision makers, with real buying power, is just one of the initiatives we have put in place to ensure that The Eye Show attracts a national and international audience. Our focus is on delivering a balanced buyer audience to our exhibitors. We are encompassing various types of buyers from companies ranging from large international organizations to smaller independent opticians.”

Greg Parrish, Owner, Eye Express, a U.S.-based optician, Rx lab and wholesaler, said, “I am delighted to have this opportunity to attend The Eye Show as a VIP Hosted Buyer. I wouldn’t normally travel at this time so I’m looking forward to coming to London in February. This will be an ideal chance for me to source products, obtain the latest information and of course network at an international level.”

Julie Coffin, Owner, Tris Coffin Opticiens, Canada commented, “An annual London based international event fits perfectly with our strategy and plans. Prearranged meetings are key for us managing our time at the event. We are very much looking forward to The Eye Show.”

Mikhail Pleshkov, director of a wholesaler in Russia said, “It’s great to have been selected as a VIP Hosted Buyer. Arranging 1 to 1 meetings with suppliers ahead of the event will save a lot of time. The Eye Show Hosted Buyer Programme can only be good for the industry. It will certainly add value to my visit.”

David Pullen, director, Pullens & Symes Opticians U.K. added, “This is an exciting opportunity for us to obtain a comprehensive and global perspective on our industry. I’m impressed that The Eye Show is hosting us and I’m especially looking forward to meeting new potential suppliers.”

An Eye Show spokesperson said, “As a new industry event, The Eye Show is aiming to fulfill its needs by bringing something fresh and modern. This involved the show being launched to run alongside London Fashion Week, in order to offer world class designers the chance to display their eyewear ranges during that time.”

The inaugural event will include exhibitors in the categories of fashion frames, spectacle lenses, instruments, sunglasses, contact lenses, practice accessories, education and training, sports eyewear, children’s eyewear, coatings and lens treatments, practice management and IT software, workshop and lab equipment, financial and business consultants.

Sectors within the exhibition hall, organizers said, will include Vision & Health, Lifestyle and Sport and International Pavilions. Other key feature areas include a Catwalk and Model Zone, Hosted Buyer Lounge and Conference Auditorium. A full program of conferences and seminars are planned, organizers said.