A record breaking show

OT heard from show director, Nathan Garnett, and exhibitors at the close of 100% Optical 2023

revealed key themes around treating dry eye, the impact of new technologies and artificial intelligence, and the everincreasing focus on sustainability.

In dry eye, Positive Impact launched the TearRestore Thermal Mask (pictured left bottom), described as the “first and only” open-eye warm compress.

BIB Ophthalmic Instruments showcased a variety of devices, including the Optopol Revo FC130, described as the fastest Optopol OCT, while Cerium Visual Technologies presented the Intuitive Colorimeter Wave, and Australian-based Cylite presented its multi-functional diagnostic device, the Cylite Hyperparallel OCT.

“This has been our best show yet,” Nathan Garnett, show director for 100% Optical, told OT at the close of the optical trade show.

From 25–27 February, eyewear brands, equipment manufacturers, contact lens companies, and community ophthalmology service providers took to ExCeL London.

More than 10,000 people attended the three-day event, representing a 10% year-on-year increase on the previous record.

Exhibitor activity

The show saw strong representation from companies in every sector, including the return of international independent eyewear brands after pandemic restrictions limited travel for many in 2022.

The number of contact lens companies at the show also grew, with CooperVision joining for the first time, launching its FreshThinkingcampaign (pictured left centre) with activities that included a giant 2.7m ‘buzz wire’ game. Observing conversations and exhibitor plans across the show floor

Bird Eyewear launched its new ophthalmic range, designed for UK optometry practices and developed from a mix of bioplastics and recycled materials in a lowcarbon production process, and Coral Eyewear showcased its new cellulose acetate collection in an exciting range of colours.

Meanwhile, Johnson & Johnson Vision went paperless – turning marketing materials into digital resources and calculating the number of paper sheets saved for every download, visualised as a ‘living tree.’ The company ended the show with 1100 paper sheets saved.

The catwalk saw a number of new features, with The Eyewear Stylist, Dan Scott, offering pointers on styling and choosing frames and lenses. Panel discussions on the catwalk covered

100%

ATTENDEES

More than 140 CPD SESSIONS sustainability in eyewear, myopia management and consumer trends.

Garnett said: “We’ve been working with Euromonitor who delivered a session on trends and we hosted a discussion afterwards about how opticians on the High Street can talk to the different groups out there, whether Millennials, Gen Z and so on.”

The event also received a visit from presenter, restaurateur and broadcaster Dame Prue Leith, who launched Specs by Prue with MAC Eyewear in 2022.

Main stage highlights

As the official UK partner for 100% Optical, the AOP developed a packed programme of continuing professional development (CPD) for delegates.

Garnett said: “We’re really pleased to be working with the AOP. The relationship just gets stronger and stronger.”

Maddie, who was eight when she became myopic.”

A session titled Drawing on the skills of the entire eye care sector to reduce avoidable sight loss saw Specsavers’ clinical services director, Giles Edmonds, and director of professional advancement, Paul Morris, discuss key challenges affecting eye care in the UK, and the role of optometry as part of the solution.

They were joined by Anthony King, a consultant ophthalmologist at Nottingham University Hospital, and chair of Glaucoma UK, who described the pressure on ophthalmology services. Speaking to OT, King shared the importance of the whole eye care community having insight into the importance of early diagnosis, adding: “The way glaucoma is detected in this country is through opportunistic detection, and that’s primarily undertaken by optometrists, so what better place to raise this as an issue.”

Reflecting on the show, AOP head of education, Dr Ian Beasley, said: “We’re thrilled with the results of this year’s event,” adding: “Heading into our landmark 10th year, that speaks volumes about how much practitioners appreciate the opportunity to come together, meet hundreds of exhibitors, and consume education from world class speakers.”

As the official media partner for 100% Optical, find all of OT's interviews at www.optometry. co.uk/optical2023

The programme included more than 140 sessions of CPD across a variety of topics and domains.

Elizabeth Lumb, director of global professional affairs for myopia management at CooperVision, presented a lecture on Driving change to put the brakes on myopia. She reflected on how far the profession has come in myopia management since she delivered a session on the topic at 100% Optical in 2017, telling OT: “There’s lots of talk about in just a short space of time.”

She added: “I was able to frame the conversation around the experiences of my niece,

Verification of CPD attendance was sent to delegates by email on 8 March. Registrants who have not received this are reminded to check their spam folders, or contact events@ aop.org.uk with any queries.

Next year

The optical trade show will return to ExCeL London from 24–26 February 2024, which will also mark the 10th anniversary of 100% Optical. Show organisers already have plans for the milestone event. This includes a dedicated ophthalmology section

100% Optical visitors enjoyed a Q&A with Dame Prue Leith and education programme, working with key partners, suppliers and the NHS to deliver the content for ophthalmologists.

Looking towards the 2024 event, Garnett told OT: “We’re very excited about some of the plans we’ve got for that already.”

EXHIBITORS REFLECT ON 100% OPTICAL 2023

Jakob Sveen, Johnson & Johnson Vision managing director, Northern Europe and general manager UK and Ireland commented: “These shows are critical for this industry, not just bringing a lot of innovation from the suppliers, but it’s also about that partnership between suppliers and customers, with the patient in mind.”

Tim Baker, group CEO of BIB Ophthalmic Instruments, reflected that 2022 saw more of a tentative approach to shows, whereas: “This year has proven to be more relaxed, the footfall has been fantastic and more importantly, the interest in the technology has been noticeably different.”

Luke Wren, head of business development for Hakim Group, noted: “It’s been a much more normal show this year,” remarking on the high numbers of attendees, and “great conversations” had at the event.

Doug Bairner, country manager, UK and Ireland for CooperVision, shared: “Being at 100% Optical is amazing for us, because it is everyday practitioners who are here, so it’s great to be able to talk with such a broad scope of people who have different priorities in their practice, to really understand what’s going on in their world.”

Jason Kirk, managing director of Kirk & Kirk, described the show as “really exciting.” He highlighted: “The thing that has been very interesting was to see international people coming and buying at the show.”

Coral Eyewear’s George Bailey described the importance of the show for the team: “Where we have regional reps in Scotland and Wales, and across the UK, it’s really nice for everyone to come together, meet in one hub, and feel the buzz of the industry and see those sustainable developments come together.”