Latest News 3rd Annual 100% Optical to be Held Feb. 6 to 8 in London By Staff Monday, December 28, 2015 12:24 AM LONDON—The third annual 100% Optical show will take place from Feb. 6 to 8, 2016 at the ExCeL London exhibition hall, here. Organizers, Media 10, are promising a “bigger and better” event with new exhibitors, a new Contact Lens hub, exciting fashion shows, a new-look central bar for easier networking and Europe’s best education and speaker program, according to Media 10. The show, geared for optical professionals, including opticians, optometrists, ophthalmologists and dispensing opticians attracts global brands from across the optical industry and is expected to welcome 8,000 U.K. and international visitors in 2016, the company said. In addition to new features, 100% Optical’s four business areas—equipment, lenses, eyewear and business services—as well as the ABDO Arms, The Frame Workshop and the Equipment Hub are all returning this year. “We’re really excited for the third year of 100% Optical,” said Nathan Garnett, event director. “The vibe last year was incredible and we’re going bigger and better in 2016 so visitors can make the most of the weekend’s education and business opportunities while also having a great time.“It’s amazing to think how 100% Optical has gone from a standing start to become Europe’s fastest growing optical event in just three short years. We’ve seen 20 percent growth in exhibitors and visitors each year. We could not have achieved that without the support of the manufacturers and suppliers and of course the AOP (Association of Optometrists) and its members. 100% Optical is very much designed for the profession, and that strategy has worked a treat,” he said. Additionally, Fight for Sight joins the show as its charity partner for the second year and will be looking to raise awareness and funds for pioneering research with an updated #BlinkWinkThink campaign. In the lead up to the show, Fight for Sight, the U.K.’s main eye research charity, is encouraging the public to take a selfie, covering one eye, to help spread awareness of eye research by sharing their image on social media—using the #BlinkWinkThink hashtag. As well as seminars from key members of the Fight for Sight speaker network, the charity will have a number of other fundraising events at the show, including “blind dates” with Fight for Sight researchers, an “Eye Spy” competition, the return of the #BlinkWinkThink photo booth and Rock-e-oke on Sunday night.This year, 100% Optical has also partnered with the Royal College of Art to showcase young British talent to an international audience as part of the Eyewear Design Competition.The Eyewear Design Competition invited students to submit designs for eyewear under two main categories: Couture or Ready to Wear. Three finalists will be selected for each competition category prior to 100% Optical and their work will showcased at the exhibition with the winning designs in each category made up as prototypes. Judges of the competition include designer, Emma Montague; Jason Kirk of Kirk & Kirk and Flora McLean, a tutor at Royal College of Art. More information can be found at 100percentoptical.com.