Ten must-sees at 100% Optical

So much to see and do

With just five days to go until 100% Optical 2023 opens its doors on Saturday 25 February, the organisers have named their top 10 recommended things to see and do.

1. A world-class education programme with the Association of Optometrists including 140 CPD sessions across 11 different hubs with key topics including myopia management, advances in clinical imaging, including the role of artificial intelligence, and dry eye disease. Top tip: 40 per cent of session availability is being held back for walk-ups.

2. Exciting exhibitor launches including: Bonavista Optics’ Downton Abbey-inspired line of eyewear frames, sunglasses and optical accessories; Kasperek Optical’s new Laura Ashley eyewear collection for the British heritage brand’s 70th anniversary; the newly-launched Kevin Life unisex accessory, which performs as an eyeglass holder or lanyard and an attractive necklace; a tea tree oil-based lid cleanser recommended for patients who live with dry eye, meibomian gland dysfunction, blepharitis or demodex by the Body Doctor’s Eye Doctor brand; Vysen’s launch of ‘The Tom’, hand-crafted Italian luxury sunglasses collection inspired by the iconic Top Gun Aviator sunglasses – and more.

3. With a bigger focus on contact lenses than ever before, an exciting line-up of major brands including CooperVision, Johnson & Johnson Vision, Bausch & Lomb, and Safilens.

4. Spot famous faces including the likes of chef, restaurateur and TV presenter Dame Prue Leith, who will be a celebrity guest at the show on Sunday 26 February, to champion Specs by Prue launched in collaboration with independent eyewear supplier MAC Eyewear earlier this year.

5. With an even stronger emphasis on independent eyewear, visit 100% The Studio Sponsored by Nikon and witness a record number of inspirational independent brands from across the globe including Vava Eyewear, Vysen Eyewear, Salt, Nine Eyewear, Studio Optx and Bevel, and Ffin.

6. The Makers Corner, situated in the Eyewear section, will champion sustainability and highlight creative makers and designers. Enjoy a series of interactive workshops with seating for up to 15-20 visitors during each mini session. This year’s confirmed makers include Yair Neuman and the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers.

7. Market research experts, Euromonitor International, will be once again presenting their vision of the future as Natasha Cazin, senior consultant, discusses Euromonitor’s 2023 trends report on the Catwalk.

8. With record-breaking, high quality entries for this year’s Love Eyewear Awards, don’t miss the official crowning ceremony for the 12 diverse categories which takes place at 5pm on Saturday 25 February on the Catwalk.

9. Keep your eyes peeled for the latest optical fashion trends and be sure to check out one of the Live Catwalk shows showcasing the latest designs provided by exhibitors and their amazing brands three times a day.

10. Located on stand B399 next to the Optical Academy you’ll find ‘Heavy-Light’, a sculpture created from discarded demo lenses and lens waste (swarf) designed by the renowned sustainability designer Yair Neuman.

Nathan Garnett, 100% Optical show director, commented: “This is just a flavour of what’s on offer at 100% Optical this year. Our visitor numbers, a top-notch confirmed exhibitor line-up, more networking space and opportunity than ever before, and the new approach to our CPD session bookings following important visitor feedback means that the 2023 show is shaping up to be the busiest and best one yet. We can’t wait to open those doors on the first day and welcome you all back again. ”

The digital show preview for 100% Optical can be viewed here and visitors can still register to attend for free at 100% Registration 2023.