100% Optical success

The industry’s new optical show, 100% Optical, has been a big hit according to feedback from delegates, exhibitors and industry professionals. The reaction of many of the 5,483 (ABC Audit pending) optometrists, opticians, buyers and industry figures about the exhibition, which took place on 16-18 February, has been overwhelmingly positive.

Henrietta Alderman, AOP Chief Executive, said: “100% Optical has been a great success, bringing together world class CET with industry-leading innovators. Our members have enjoyed a VIP show experience that delivered a fresh approach to optics.

“Our education programme was a sell-out success, with 101 CET points on offer throughout the show. With exhibitors already booking stands for next year’s event, we are delighted that 100% Optical has become one of the leading events of the optical calendar.”

AOP members had exclusive access to their own VIP lounge at the show, enabling delegates to network with friends and colleagues over free refreshments. The AOP’s inhouse legal experts were on hand throughout the event to advise on legal and regulatory
queries, including clinical and employment law issues.

For AOP member Krupali Lakhani, it was ‘the lectures that made it’. Ms Lakhani commented: “A great variety of topics and speakers, split into smaller audience groups, made it more intimate, in manageable time chunks, in a modern, comfortable environment. With a variety of people and experience in the audiences, it all made for a valuable and enjoyable learning
experience.”

Lynne Fernandes, AOP member and independent practice owner, commented: “The show has a well-designed layout and interesting and exciting exhibitors. I would recommend anyone in the world of optics to come to 100% Optical.”

International keynote speakers attracted large audiences throughout the show, with interactive sessions and workshops pulling in the crowds. Fashion shows ran throughout the exhibition, including the launch range from Hugo Taylor (of ‘Made in Chelsea’ fame) from Taylor Morris.

Highlights of the show included contact lens guru Professor Brien Holden reflecting on the challenges of myopia, Dr Margaret Woodhouse discussing children’s vision and Professor Mo Jalie who guided practitioners through the next generation of progressive lenses. Commenting on the show, Professor Holden said: “It is a great and very impressive meeting with superb organisation.” Social media expert Garry Kousoulou discussed 21st century communication and entrepreneur Imran Hakim discussed the challenges which independent practices face in today’s economic climate.

For more information about the exhibition, including exclusive interviews with speakers, delegates and exhibitors, visit www.optometry.co.uk to see Optometry Today’s behind-thescenes coverage. For further information and to find out the latest information about next year’s show, visit www.100percentoptical.com

Ends
For more information, please contact Anne Grenyer, Communications and Marketing Manager at the Association of Optometrists, [email protected] or telephone 020 7549 2063.

Notes to Editors

Association of Optometrists

Formed in 1946, the Association of Optometrists (AOP) is the only organisation that represents both optometry as a profession and the views of individual optometrists. Its core purpose is to provide unrivalled support enabling professionals to deliver high quality eye care with confidence. With nearly 15,000 members, the AOP represents and promotes the interests of its members to stakeholders in the UK and Europe. As part of the Optical Confederation, the AOP works closely with other optical bodies to lobby national decision makers on issues related to the eye health agenda.

100% Optical

100% Optical took place on 16-18 February 2014 at ExCel in London.

The AOP is the official UK partner of 100% Optical, providing a first class continuing education and training (CET) programme, with more than 100 hours of education and continuing professional development (CPD) on offer, including peer review sessions.

Optometry Today (OT), the multi-channelled media platform for the optometry sector, is the official media partner for 100% Optical. OT offered a unique insight into the three-day show, reporting on the action as it happened with exclusive interviews with speakers and exhibitors.

The event had four distinct zones: 100% Lenses and Eye Care, 100% Manufacturing and Equipment, 100% Eyewear and 100% Business Services. Editorial content was at the heart of each section with informative and inspiring features and seminars, brought to you by international leaders of innovation in all fields of the industry. There were world class educational seminars for CET career and businessdevelopment. Leading optical and ophthalmic brands presented ground-breaking designs and technology to all walks of the industry.

For more information about the show, including the full seminar programme, see the website
www.100percentoptical.com.