LONDON—100% Optical took place at London EXCEL from Jan. 27 to 29 and boasted an attendance of 8,936 people, an 11 percent increase in visitors compared to last year’s show. The show attracted visitors from all over the world and debuted more than 20 exclusive product launches, 100 pieces of equipment and 16,500 frames. In its fifth year, 100% Optical showcased its biggest equipment area with 20 manufacturers and 200 exhibitors. A glimpse into the latest trends and brands were featured during the reinvented catwalk show.

Nathan Garnett, event director said, “We’ve had double digit growth on visitor figures which is great news for our fifth anniversary and we’ve noticed a significant number of first-time visitors who haven’t been to an optical show before.”
The exhibition also rolled out over 140 hours of CET and CPD sessions provided through the show’s education program.


“There’s been a palpable shift in the feel of the event this year,” Ian Beasley, head of education at the Association of Optometrists (AOP) said. “Sessions have been full to capacity with practitioners from all modes of practice eager to hear updates on the latest clinical research outcomes, technology updates and refresh skills across a broad range of core competencies. Off the back of successfully trialing sessions for optical assistants last year, we’ve increased our offering to accommodate a clear demand for education for the whole practice team. Plans are now coming together for 2019 to continually evolve the event.”

Additionally, preparing for the future of the optical industry was a “hot topic” during the show and the new Future Practice Hub aimed to help practices thrive in the ever-changing landscape covering topics such as the future of independent practice, artificial intelligence and the future of commissioning.

The show also pledged support for the Big Blind Walk 2018 in collaboration with VisionBridge.


“I’m so grateful to 100% Optical for giving the bigblindwalk.com this platform to raise awareness of the social, economic and psychological impact of sight loss amongst a growing number of the U.K. population. And to promote and raise money for eye research, which I believe is one of the most underfunded areas of medical research and certainly one of the best kept secrets in the U.K.,” Julian Jackson, founder of the Big Blind Walk.

100% Optical will be held from Jan. 12 to 14 in 2019.