Optic World İzmir Shed Light on the Industry Through Panel Discussions

What Should Be Considered for Lens Health?

As part of Optic World Izmir – Optics, Eyewear, Ophthalmology and Technologies Expo, which was organized for the first time by İZFAŞ, a series of panel discussions addressing various topics within the optical industry were held.

Speaking at the session titled “Myopia Control Lenses and Contact Lenses Used in Myopia”, İzzet Cicik, Contact Lens Instructor at Izmir University of Economics Vocational School of Health Services, Opticianry Program, explained how lenses should be used correctly. He stated:

“When using lenses, personalized usage recommendations provided by physicians must always be followed. Our eyes have edema when we wake up in the morning; therefore, lenses should be worn at least half an hour after waking. Unless otherwise advised by a doctor, lenses should be removed one to two hours before going to bed. Paying close attention to hygiene rules is also extremely important for eye health.”

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 attracted strong interest from industry professionals. In addition to exhibition activities, the fair stood out with its awareness-raising events and panel discussions.

The session “Myopia Control Lenses and Contact Lenses Used in Myopia” featured İzzet Cicik, who is also General Manager of Bb Lens, and Emre Doğan, representative of Beta Optik, as speakers. Noting that 49% of the world’s population is expected to be myopic by 2050, Cicik stated:

“Myopia has doubled over the past 20 years. The increase is equally concerning in both Eastern and Western countries. Even if the degree of myopia is low, early treatment is extremely important.”

How Should Lenses Be Used?

Providing further information on healthy lens use, Cicik emphasized:

“The number of contact lens users is rapidly increasing today. First and foremost, users should consult an ophthalmologist and use lenses only upon medical recommendation. Hygiene rules must be followed at the highest level, as negligence may lead to serious health problems.

Although some lenses are marketed as suitable for overnight use, wearing lenses during sleep may cause certain complications. Lenses should be used strictly within the timeframes recommended by the physician. They should be removed one to two hours before bedtime and worn half an hour after waking due to morning eye edema. Wearing lenses six days a week is generally recommended.”

Emre Doğan also highlighted the increasing prevalence of myopia and shared insights into the development of myopia control lenses and global advancements in this field.

Sector Market Size Expected to Reach USD 250 Billion by 2027

At the session titled “Technological Developments in Opticianry and the Role of Artificial Intelligence”, Dr. Hasan Durmuş, Lecturer at Izmir University of Economics Vocational School of Health Services, Opticianry Program, was a speaker. Durmuş stated that the global market size of the sector, which was USD 130.93 billion in 2017, is projected to reach USD 250 billion by 2027. He also shared information on future-oriented developments such as wearable technologies, 3D-printed eyewear frames, and other innovations expected to play a significant role in the industry.

Eyewear Designed for All Purposes Displayed

As part of the fair, the “Eyewear by Purpose Exhibition”, curated by Turgut Çakar, Expert Instructor at Acıbadem University, was also held. Çakar, who has been collecting eyewear since childhood, stated:

“I currently serve as a lecturer at Acıbadem University Vocational School of Health Services. Together with colleagues dedicated to the opticianry profession, we established the Eyewear Museum at the Bursa Health History Museum, and I also contributed to the Eyewear Museum at Sivas Cumhuriyet University.

My exhibition features one example of eyewear produced worldwide according to different purposes throughout history. One of the most striking items is the wooden snow goggles worn by Eskimos, among the earliest eyewear in history. Additionally, the exhibition includes early eyewear designed for spinal patients to read books and watch television while lying down.

Alongside the eyewear, one example of every optical lens used in Türkiye since the 1920s is also displayed. Izmir is one of the five most active cities in Türkiye in terms of civil society organizations in the history of opticianry. Therefore, despite being held for the first time, this fair has been highly effective and impactful. I firmly believe it will continue to grow in the coming years.”

Supporting Institutions

The fair is supported by the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Trade, Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB), Small and Medium Enterprises Development Organization (KOSGEB), Izmir Chamber of Commerce (İZTO), Aegean Region Chamber of Industry (EBSO), Aegean Exporters’ Associations (EİB), Izmir Union of Chambers of Tradesmen and Craftsmen (İESOB), Turkish Opticians and Optometrists Association (TOGB), and the 3rd Regional Chamber of Opticians and Optometrists (İOGO).