Optic World Izmir Hosted 4,833 Industry Professionals in Its First Year

Despite being held for the first time, Optic World Izmir – Optics, Eyewear, Ophthalmology and Technologies Fair, organized by İZFAŞ, attracted significant interest from both domestic and international industry professionals. A total of 4,833 visitors, all of whom were sector professionals, attended Optic World Izmir. Representatives of participating companies also expressed their satisfaction, stating that despite being in its inaugural year, the fair is expected to grow much further in the coming years.

Hosted by Izmir Metropolitan Municipality and organized by İZFAŞ, with the recommendation and leadership of the Izmir Chamber of Commerce 32nd Eyewear Professional Committee and contributions from the 3rd Regional Chamber of Opticians and Optometrists, Optic World Izmir brought together the optical sector, which plays a vital role in both eye health and aesthetics. Open exclusively to industry professionals, the fair received strong interest.

The fair welcomed 4,833 visitors, including 4,273 domestic visitors from 48 cities across Türkiye and 560 international visitors from 22 countries. Through the B2B program, industry professionals from many countries—such as Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Kosovo, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Algeria—visited the fair, held meetings, and signed cooperation agreements.

At Optic World Izmir, a wide range of products and services were showcased, including optical and sunglasses frames, spectacle lenses, contact lenses, ophthalmic devices, eyewear accessories, equipment and tools for workshops and laboratories, machinery, and services. In addition, panel discussions and talks held during the fair captured the pulse of the industry. Sector representatives and participating companies shared their evaluations of the fair.

Statements from Industry Representatives

Ahmet Yutmaz
Chairman, Izmir Chamber of Commerce 32nd Eyewear Professional Committee

“A year ago, when the fair was still at the idea stage, we shared this vision with our Izmir Chamber of Commerce Chairman, Mr. Mahmut Özgener, who supported us wholeheartedly from start to finish. Without the professional organization of İZFAŞ, it would not have been possible for the fair to reach this level of success in such a short time. When professional organization and sector leadership came together, a very successful fair emerged.

This is the first domestic and national specialized optical fair in Türkiye. Worldwide, the most prominent fairs are Italy’s MIDO and France’s SILMO. Therefore, this fair holds great importance for our country. We strongly believe it will reach its rightful position very soon. All participants want larger exhibition spaces next year, and companies that could not participate this year are already expressing interest. This makes us very happy and confident that the fair will grow to a much larger scale in the coming years.”

Murat Balcı
Chairman of the Board, Beta Optik

“As Beta Optik and Novax, we are the first company in Türkiye to manufacture spectacle lenses using software-based production technology and one of the few companies worldwide and in Europe to do so. We export to more than 50 countries and are also the Turkish distributor of Zeiss lenses and optical equipment.

Organizing a specialized fair is not easy, yet we encountered a very strong infrastructure here. It is clear that this is a highly professional organization with deep expertise in fair management. Bringing international visitors in the first year is not easy, yet we met many foreign buyers. The fair exceeded our expectations. We have great hopes for this fair in Izmir in the coming years.”

Cem Çelebi
Co-Founder, Adellens Optik

“We produce optical lenses and serve all of Türkiye through nine branches. We also operate production facilities in Iran and have offices in Bulgaria. We export to many countries, including the Turkic Republics and the Balkans.

Frankly speaking, the venue, atmosphere, organization, and professionalism of the fair far exceeded my expectations. We are very happy to have participated in its first year. It is a fair worthy of Izmir, and I believe it will continue to grow and develop.”

Mutlu Karavelioğlu
Chairman of the Board, Invictus

“We have been producing acetate eyewear since 1963 and are considered the school of the sector. Optic World Izmir is a fair that finally reflects Izmir’s ambition to be a congress and exhibition city. Despite being held for the first time, participation exceeded expectations.

We believe it will soon surpass other fairs in Türkiye and become a world-class event. Fair organizations play a critical role in branding, and we are very pleased with the interest shown in our company.”

Bülent Yazıcıoğlu
Chairman of the Board, Optiksan

“We manufacture eyewear frames in Diyarbakır, producing both injection-molded and metal frames. In a sector highly dependent on imports, we invested to contribute to both our region and the country. With 120 employees, we are now in a strong position both domestically and internationally.

This first optical fair organized by İZFAŞ has great potential. The atmosphere, organization, and beauty of Izmir combined create a very promising future. The fair was highly effective in introducing our company to international visitors and establishing commercial agreements. We are already looking forward to the next edition.”