100% Optical, opens for registration and promises a bigger, bolder, brighter “one stop show”

It kick-starts the New Year by opening its doors slightly earlier, between 12-14 January at ExCel London, and will be the place to spot new looks and discover new brands, innovations and new opportunities. “Our one stop show offers visitors a journey of discovery by showcasing the biggest ever collection of brands and suppliers under one roof, alongside the opportunity to gain invaluable CET points as part of a world class education programme,” said event director, Nathan Garnett.

“It has cemented itself as THE place to gather optical information, follow eyewear trends with the vibrant catwalk shows and discover the latest equipment. It also aims to inspire visitors with business intelligence and ideas to help them identify and work towards their future vision, be it for personal career progression or their optical practice,” he continued. Brand new for 2019 is an Eyewear week initiative running from 7-13 January, where 100% Optical aims to generate public awareness around eyewear trends and technology by highlighting the latest designs from established brands and up-and-coming designers.

The Equipment Hub will be the biggest yet as it represents a particular area of growth and interest for the industry. Visitors will discover plenty of new brands with over 130 new eyewear, equipment, lenses and business services brands confirmed for 2019. Topcon, International Eyewear, Dunelm, Mainline Instruments, Lafont and Hanson Instruments are just a selection of the new additions and 75 per cent of the floor space has already been snapped up. Other exhibitor highlights include Andy Wolf, Optos, William Morris and Bausch + Lomb.

Brand new for 2019

The British Academy of Audiology (BAA) has become an official partner and will put together a comprehensive education seminar programme for the Audiology hub, alongside the Association of Optometrists. Event director, Nathan Garnett, said: “We’re eager for the return of 100% Optical as the High Street is about to have its worst year on record and optometrists need tools to help future proof their practice and become visionary leaders.

“The national debate around how to save the high street is gaining national and political attention. Optical practices will play a vital role in the survival and regeneration of the high street, providing an essential service that can’t be replicated online. With an ageing population optical professionals who diversify into areas like audiology and in supporting the NHS have a fantastic opportunity and should view the future with excitement. “100% Optical 2019 will allow optical professionals the opportunity to work out how to capitalise on these changes to our industry.”

The AOP’s education programme will cover a broad array of topics from the latest myopia research, electrodiagnostics, overview of new technology and devices, guidance for newly qualified optometrists on improving referrals, the impact of artificial intelligence, the implications of the obesity time bomb, modern approaches to dry eye management, managing patients with visual impairment, career progression for optical assistants and binocular vision insights from leading speakers in orthoptics. The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) is returning to 100% Optical with a new location and the chance to speak to the ABDO team about topics from examinations to supporting your professional development. The AOP awards and Royal College of Art Design competition also return for 2019, alongside ample business networking and socialising opportunities, plus the famous “after party” on Saturday night and central bar.

Travelling got quicker with Crossrail

Travelling to 100% Optical just got quicker with Crossrail as the new connection opens in time for the show, making it easier to travel to London from the west and east and from Heathrow airport.

For more information and free registrations visit www.100percentoptical.com and follow us on social media @100optical #100optical