THE TOP FROM TECH

from OT October/November 2023

LEARNING AND ADVANCING

Registration has opened for the largest optical event in the UK.

The 2024 show will be held at ExCeL London from 24–26 February.

In preparation for the event, OT sought out the latest in equipment and technology.

Celsa Vazquez, commercial director for 100% Optical, shared how the footprint of manufacturers and suppliers has changed over the past 10 years of the show: “The presence of equipment suppliers and manufacturers has gone from strength to strength at 100% Optical.”

“When we launched back in 2014, we had the support of Zeiss. Gradually over the years we have grown this side of the show and are now proud to boast a full spectrum of equipment suppliers and manufacturers including world leaders Zeiss, Topcon, Optos, Birmingham Optical, Mainline Instruments, Spectrum Ophthalmics, RetinAI, Lumenis and many more,” she added.

The area of the exhibition dedicated to equipment has become a hub for the latest in technology, and Vazquez described it as a “focal point for launches and live demos.”

This makes for an exciting opportunity, with the organisers finding that 60% of visitors attend the show with the intention of making purchasing decisions.

What to expect in equipment and technology

Topcon will return to the show, bringing its top solutions including Myah for myopia management, and Eye-light for dry eye.

A spokesperson for the manufacturer suggested that, alongside this, there will also be “optical coherence tomography (OCT), new lasers, and other devices yet to be launched.”

Supplier, BIB Ophthalmic Instruments will be bringing its suite of devices. Managing director, Tim Baker, said: “Delegates can expect to see how the latest technology can benefit their clinical offering whilst providing a return on investment.”

After making a splash at the 2023 show, Optopol’s Revo FC 130 will be on display, and

SK-MED’s new high specification Digital LED Slit Lamp with automated Dry Eye Analyser will also be on the stand.

The new Zulu 3 from Medinstrus, a threetable rotary combi unit, will be a conversationstarter, along with a new range of refraction and diagnostic equipment from Visionix.

Birmingham Optical will showcase products from across its divisions of lens edging, optometry and ophthalmology, including the highly anticipated Nidek fully-assisted refraction system for TS-610.

“We will also be heralding our new myopia management offering in the form of the Nidek AI-Scan, along with the latest Retina scan Duo 2 OCT,” the company shared.

Spectrum Ophthalmics will exhibit its range of dry eye solutions, with the OptiClear IPL taking centre stage. The company suggested the treatment option “creates a mutually beneficial lasting relationship between the patient and optometrist through a specific course of treatments and service-led plans that address eye care issues and ongoing good eye care and health.”

Following a new distribution partnership with Oculus Optikgeräte, Mainline Instruments will introduce Oculus devices to the show.

A DECADE OF 100% OPTICAL Claire Martin, head of strategy and marketing for ophthalmic diagnostics at Zeiss

Zeiss is proud to have supported 100% Optical since the first event in 2014. Over the years Zeiss has launched multiple new products at the show, hosted numerous educational sessions and met with countless customers – both old and new.

With a fun and fresh approach to the visitor experience, 100% Optical is now a key date in the optometry calendar and we look forward to being part of the expansion into ophthalmology in 2024.

A place to grow

The programme for education and presentations at 100% Optical is under construction, organised by the AOP, as education partner for the show.

Dr Ian Beasley, AOP head of education and OT clinical editor, said: “As we enter the final year of the new continuing professional development (CPD) cycle, we will be providing more than 1000 spaces in peer review sessions, as well as covering the domains for all practitioner types.”

“100% Optical provides a supportive environment for delegates to learn alongside practitioners working across a range of clinical settings to help identify areas where they need to consolidate and expand their knowledge and fulfil their professional development needs,” he added.

Peer review is a core component of the threeday CPD programme.

A spokesperson told OT: “Join us at this grand event to experience firsthand the latest innovations in eye care technology and discover how Mainline Instruments is shaping the future of optical solutions for professionals across the board.”

Rebecca Seymour, marketing manager for HSUK, said: “We will be running our exciting Eyesi Slit Lamp simulator competition on our stand, offering delegates the opportunity to test their slit lamp skills and win a daily prize.”

The Haag-Streit Academy is also sponsoring the 100% Ophthalmology Education Hub on 25 February. Seymour shared that speakers will deliver lectures on topics including myopia management and slit lamp simulation, using HSUK equipment.

Vazquez said: “The education programme is a space for optical professionals from all specialisms to come together to evolve their knowledge. Across 11 different theatres and workshops, visitors will hear from those offering learning and practice training.”

“Whatever stage of your optical career you are at, the event is a must-attend, with free registration now live,” she concluded.

100% Optical was recently recognised as ‘Best Brand Collaboration’ at the Exhibition News Indy Awards. The partnership between the AOP and Media 10, organisers of the event, has been in place since July 2013.

Have you been attending 100% Optical since 2014?

Get in touch with OT to share your stories from past shows at newsdesk@optometry.co.uk

Registerfor the free contactlenseducationalplatform whichoffers engaging,innovative, and up to the minutetrainingfor all. Whetheryou are a student, retail associate,store manageror seasonedopticalprofessional,there will be somethingthere to interest you.