Latest News 100% Optical Held Last Weekend at London Excel By Staff Friday, February 12, 2016 12:21 AM LONDON—100% Optical, has “smashed attendance, business and exhibitor expectations” during its third year on Feb. 6 to 8, organizers said.“The feedback from exhibitors and visitors has been incredible,” said Nathan Garnett, event director of 100% Optical. “We saw business being done from the moment the doors opened on Saturday morning right until they closed Monday evening and the atmosphere was just electric. We even had to extend the opening hours on Sunday as many exhibitors were still doing business.”The show featured 20 percent more floor space than last year housing over 200 companies, a 20 percent increase in visitors from both the U.K. and internationally. The show attracted buyers from around the U.K. and overseas, with some traveling from as far as Australia and South East Asia to attend the weekend, according to organizers. Additionally, 100 CET points were on offer for each person over the weekend.“100% Optical is, and has always been, about showcasing the future of optics, building businesses and having a great time,” added Garnett. “Not only that but we’re proud to present the biggest selection of eyewear under one roof, more than anywhere else in the U.K. and the largest amount of free CET points available than at any other U.K. show, along with big name exhibitors and speakers.”“The Association of Optometrists (AOP), along with support from the Fight for Sight Speaker Network, have really delivered on a world class seminar programme this year,” he said. “Personal highlights—Doug Perkins and Paul Morris from Specsavers with a rally cry to get the industry to work together and seal the legacy of the independent sector, Professor Kovin Naidoo on the growing myopia challenge and hearing Rt hon Alistair Burt MP, Minister of State for Community and Social Care discuss the future of primary care and the NHS with professor Rob Darracott and Katarina Venerus— but it’s all been brilliant. Sessions have been full to bursting; we had to bring in extra seating just to meet demand.” The U.K.’s main eye research charity, Fight for Sight, was the show’s charity partner for the second consecutive year. With a number of fundraising activities helping to raise the importance of eye research including the #BlinkWinkThink selfie campaign and on-stand photo booth. Back by popular demand, Rock-a-oke, allowed exhibitors and visitors to let their hair down after a second busy day on Sunday evening.Catherine Woodhead, director of fundraising at Fight for Sight talking about the charity's partnership said, "We are grateful to 100% Optical for giving us this opportunity to raise the importance of eye research, from members of the Fight for Sight Speaker Network discussing a wider range of funded projects, encouraging the public to take a #BlinkWinkThink selfie, to the Fight for Sight Rock-a-oke party it has been another successful year raising funds for a future everyone can see. We're looking forward to working in partnership with 100% Optical for the 2017 show."100% Optical 2017 will be held at the ExCel exhibition center from Feb. 4 to 6.