ExpoÓptica + Audio 2026 was a strong, highly specialised meeting that stimulated the market

The 35th edition of the Salón de la Óptica, la Optometría y la Audiología (International Optics and Optometry Exhibition) organised by IFEMA MADRID from Thursday, 9 to Saturday, 11 April, has given some very positive results. Over three days, and with the inauguration by the Minister of Health, Mónica García, ExpoÓptica + Audio 2026 welcomed more than 8,000 professionals, confirming the event's position as a key platform for promoting business relationships and a space for innovation and growth in the sector.

These attendance growth figures are mirrored in the business representation, which enjoyed a 10% increase in direct exhibitors from the visual and auditory health sector, ophthalmic and contact lenses, frames, sunglasses, optical and auditory instruments, hearing aids, equipment for opticians, specialised software, IT solutions, capital goods and specialised training.

What’s more, ExpoÓptica + Audio continues to position itself in the international market, bringing together 48% more foreign companies in 2026 than in the last edition in 2024, representing 29% of the total number of direct participations. In addition to advancing its internationalisation, the 2026 edition has attracted a differentiated offer, especially in Optical Fashion, with new proposals and business opportunities for both opticians and hearing-aid specialists.

These stable figures indicate that professionals are suitable to hold ExpoÓptica + Audio on weekdays, marking the first edition in which the sector is convened from Thursday to Saturday. This change has resulted in a more even distribution of visitors and a qualitative leap in audience specialisation.

ExpoÓptica 2026 reflects the high penetration of Optical Fashion in the market

ExpoÓptica 2026 has represented a significant turning point for the Optical Fashion segment, which has strengthened its commitment with the launch of the Glam Space, an area designed for the mid-high & high-end market that has brought together more than 14 alternative companies from countries such as Italy, France, the Netherlands, and the United Arab Emirates. Likewise, a reflection of the event's commitment to this thriving market niche has been the Exposición Origen, showcasing how trends have evolved, with the private collection of Martínez-Amat, loaned by the General Council of the College of Opticians-Optometrists, featuring glasses and frames from 1750 to the early 20th century.

The Optical Fashion segment has accounted for more than 46% of the exhibition, reflecting strong growth in the frames area, with more than 200 brands present at the fair through top-level distributors. 

Comprehensive representation of the value chain of optics and audiology

In an environment where 30% of hearing aids are sold in optical centres, the convergence of visual and auditory health service providers is strategic. Thus, for the third consecutive edition, Audiology has had its monographic area, with more than 25 leading companies in the sector, and has presented the latest developments and the most advanced software in the service of this health science.

Thus, ExpoÓptica + Audio has brought together the value chain for opticians and audiometrists, establishing itself as a key meeting point for investment, visibility, knowledge exchange, and business. In this way, the professional visitor has found everything necessary for the management of a centre on the call: optometry, ophthalmology, optics, low vision, contactology, optical fashion, services for establishments, conditioning for points of sale, and training.

Complete programme of technical workshops

The Fair has organised a comprehensive programme of technical sessions at the Expoóptica and ExpoAudio Forums, with presentations on the latest sector innovations by exhibiting companies and coaches specialising in leadership, management and sales, including Vicente Ferrio, Manuel Amat and Curro Duarte.

In parallel, the OPTOM 2026 Congress, organised by the General Council of the College of Opticians-Optometrists, has promoted a meeting and professional cohesion space for the exchange of experiences, facilitating the sharing of strategies that boost the development and prestige of Optometry, Contactology, and Ophthalmic Optics. Moreover, this coincidence increases business opportunities.

For the first time, the Congress of FEDAO (Spanish Federation of Optical Sector Associations) has been held, and they presented the report prepared together with Deloitte 'What will the optics market be like in 2030?', revealing how demographic changes, new consumer trends, or structural challenges will shape the evolution of the sector.

With the sponsorship of seQura Eyewear, a comprehensive solution for opticians that combines subscription, management platform, and new experiences in visual care,  ExpoÓptica + Audio has provided the optics and audiology sector in a professional, highly specialised environment at the service of the business.

Completo programa de jornadas técnicas

La Feria ha organizado un completo programa de jornadas técnicas en los Foros de ExpoÓptica y ExpoAudio con presentaciones de las últimas novedades del sector a cargo de compañías expositoras y de los coaches especializados en liderazgo, gestión y ventas Vicente Ferrio, Manuel Amat y Curro Duarte.

De forma paralela, el Congreso OPTOM 2026 organizado por el Consejo General de Colegio de Ópticos-Optometristas, ha promovido un espacio de encuentro y cohesión profesional para el intercambio de experiencias, facilitando la puesta en común de estrategias que impulsan el desarrollo y el prestigio de la Optometría, la Contactología y la Óptica Oftálmica. Además, esta coincidencia incrementa las oportunidades comerciales.

Por primera vez, se ha celebrado el Congreso de FEDAO (Federación Española de Asociaciones del Sector Óptico) y presentaron el informe elaborado junto a Deloitte '¿Cómo será el mercado de la óptica en 2030?', desvelando cómo los cambios demográficos, las nuevas tendencias de consumo o los retos estructurales marcarán la evolución del sector.

Con el patrocinio de seQura Eyewear, solución integral para ópticas que combina suscripción, plataforma de gestión y nuevas experiencias del cuidado visual, ExpoÓptica + Audio ha puesto al servicio del sector de la óptica y la audiología en un entorno profesional y altamente especializado al servicio del negocio.