As a chain of conversations on COVID19 flooded the digital world, the optical industry continues to beam a ray of hope for colleagues through various support systems. But right at the comfort (or chaos) of our homes, as we sit behind our computer screens, we strive to reconnect to make the most out of being “locked down”, so to speak.

In the webinar titled “Optical Industry: Way Forward Post-COVID19”, an event hosted by Eyezone on 17 June 2020, presenter Mr. Mushtaq Ahmad, author and business administrator, cast light on the state of the eyewear market at the onset of the pandemic, as well as, its impact on the industry’s business sector as the COVID19 pandemic continues to intensify.

The webinar, a collaborative effort by Eyezone Education and long-time colleagues, Mr. Ahmad and Mr. Marwan Rached, grabbed the attention of decision-makers across the region. Eye care professionals and executives from different parts of the Gulf indulged in a relevant discussion to demystify the answers to significant questions about facing the new normal, as practitioners brace for uncertainties. What’s next after COVID19? How will the industry stand on its feet again?

From the cyberspace’s point of view, the online gathering itself had its own share of challenges, as well — conflicting time zones, technological disadvantage, communication limits, zero physical contact, and scores of other potential obstacles that had gotten in the way. However, these did not deter people from reconnecting, even in the virtual space, to conjure up ideas and solutions for the ailing economy.

It was a brief but jam-packed presentation via the Zoom platform as Mr. Ahmad guided the attendees all throughout the webinar, with the kind assistance of Eyezone’s Executive Editor, Mrs. Snehal Sawant, first with a comprehensive illustration of the ophthalmic market worldwide and the Gulf, and then trimming down to the many ways COVID19 has altered economic activities and how it has interfered with social realities.

The presentation touched upon an overview of the ophthalmic market, magnifying on the population around the world that needs eyecare, then moving on to a brief of the Gulf’s eyewear market in 2019 detailing the various purchase channels. Discussions on the impact of COVID19 followed shortly, identifying a variety of factors affecting the market, one of which is the social distancing protocol, then laying down potential solutions including rebooting business systems, from supplies to logistics.

The presentation also delved into a host of other topics relevant to the current crisis, some of which are the advantages and drawbacks of online shopping, as well as, a few tips on customer retention.

Several attendees were given time to engage with the presenter during the Q&A segment. It was an exchange that although virtual but has left a hint of hope for everyone that took part. Overall, it was an event that may serve as a kickstarter for more dialogue and endeavors on healing the market. As soon as the webinar ended, the attendees logged off veering towards an optimistic outlook that the crisis would soon be over.