ExpoÓptica 2026 kicks off tomorrow with a 10% growth and the latest advances in optics and audiology
Organised by IFEMA MADRID and taking place from 9 to 11 April, it will feature leading companies in optics, optometry and audiology to improve people's health and the management of optical and hearing centres.
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, kicks off its 35th edition tomorrow, surpassing the figures recorded at the 2024 edition by 10%. This event will bring together 130 direct exhibitors who are leaders in the field of visual and auditory health, including ophthalmic and contact lenses, frames, sunglasses, optical and auditory instruments, hearing aids, equipment for opticians, computer solutions, and specialised training. It is noteworthy that the percentage of international participants has risen to an unprecedented 29%, representing a 48% increase in foreign companies compared to 2024, offering professionals new proposals and opportunities for business and differentiation.
In a context where 80% of Spaniards have vision problems, but only 61% wear glasses or contact lenses to correct them and up to 30% do not have regular eye tests, according to the White Book of Visual Health in Spain 2025, and that in 2025 the number of hearing aids distributed in Spain B2B increased by 18%, according to data from the National Association of Hearing Aid Manufacturers and Importers (ANFIA), the holding of ExpoÓptica and ExpoAudio 2026 acquires a strategic value.
These indicators show that visual and hearing health not only directly affects the well-being and quality of life of citizens but also has an economic dimension, due to its impact on productivity. In this scenario, this call has proven to be an essential meeting point to boost investment in research, provide visibility into the latest innovations, and share knowledge and best practices that help improve prevention, diagnosis, and eye care.
Optical Fashion marks the innovations at the 35th edition
Biennially, ExpoÓptica 2026 aligns with international trends and reinforces its commitment to Optical Fashion and, in addition to this specific space, introduces as a major novelty of the 35th edition the Glam Space for alternative brands designed for the mid-high and high-end market, as well as the Origin Exhibition, which is showcasing the private collection of Martínez-Amat. This has been loaned by the General Council of Colleges of Opticians-Optometrists and features glasses and frames from 1750 to the early 20th century.
Audiology, monographic area for the third consecutive edition
In a market where 30% of hearing aids are sold at opticians, the Fair will, for the third consecutive edition, have the Audiology monographic area, which will feature more than 25 participating companies and will showcase the latest innovations and the most advanced software aimed at this health science.
This convergence positions ExpoÓptica + Audio as the key meeting point for professionals in the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention of hearing disorders, who will learn about the latest innovations, services, and equipment for improving hearing health, as well as the essential space at the service of business.
Technical Seminar Programme
From the 9 to 11 April, the Fair has organised a comprehensive programme of technical sessions in the ExpoÓptica and ExpoAudio Forums with presentations of the latest industry innovations by exhibiting companies and coaches specialised in leadership, management and sales Arancha Caballero, Manuel Amat and Curro Duarte.
In parallel, the OPTOM 2026 Congress organised by the Consejo General de Colegio de Ópticos-Optometristas (General Council of Colleges of Opticians-Optometrists), promotes a meeting and professional cohesion space for sharing experiences, facilitating the exchange of strategies that drive the development and prestige of Optometry, Contactology, and Ophthalmic Optics.
Finally, for the first time, the FEDAO Congress (Spanish Federation of Optical Sector Associations) will be held at the Fair. On Thursday, 9 April at 18:15 at the Expoóptica Forum, they will present the report prepared in collaboration with Deloitte, 'What will the optical market be like in 2030?', which reveals how demographic changes, new consumer trends, and structural challenges will shape the sector's evolution.
From Thursday 9 to Saturday 11 April, in Hall 10 of IFEMA MADRID, ExpoÓptica + Audio once again gathers the optics and hearing sector in a professional and highly specialised environment dedicated to business, with the sponsorship of seQura Eyewear, a comprehensive solution for opticians that combines subscription, management platform and new visual care experiences.