Sharjah to host visual disability event in Feb

sharjah — Expo Centre Sharjah will host the third edition of Sight ME, the region’s only exhibition for visual disability technologies next month.

The first of its kind event, which is organised by the Emirates Association of the Visually Impaired, will be held from February 13 to 15.

“This is very significant event for the entire region and Expo Centre Sharjah is proud to host the third edition of the show, especially since it supports the UAE leadership’s initiatives to help people who are blind and visually impaired. The event will go a long way in introducing latest innovations, technologies and products to the entire region and help alleviate the pains of tens of thousands of people,” said Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah.

Al Midfa added that the exhibition had made its debut at Expo Centre Sharjah in 2011, while Sight Me 2 was also held at Expo Centre in 2013.

Though there are no numbers for how many people in the UAE or the GCC suffer from partial or complete blindness, according to researchers

The event will go a long way in introducing latest innovations, technologies and products to the entire region and help alleviate the pains of tens of thousands of people.” Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah

at The Lancet Global Health journal, the world’s blind will increase threefold from about 36 million today to 115 million in 2050.

The event also presents a good opportunity to exchange views and experiences, which will positively reflect on the society in general,” said Adel Al Zamar, chairman of the association, set up in 1985 to support the visual impaired.

The number with moderate to severe vision impairment will also triple, from 217 million to 588 million over the same period. “The challenges the visually impaired face are many. The event will help the community and associations working for them take a look at the latest available technology and other developments,” added Al Zamar.

reporters@khaleejtimes.com