Optrafair is a window to new developments

Optrafair 2013 saw the UK optical profession gather under one roof for a weekend of business, education and fashion.

Last weekend 6,600 visitors met at The National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, down slightly from the 6,647 visitor total in 2011.

Spectacle frame companies, lens and contact lens brands, technology providers, optical bodies, chains and charities filled halls 6 and 20 at the venue. Organisers the FMO also set up a window dressing competition, catwalk and standalone Fashion Quarter for practitioners to browse the latest trends.

Increased levels of optimism were reported at the NEC, where Optrafair London was launched and Leightons Opticians booked a stand to drive its franchise expansion.