AOP Awards expansion at 100% Optical

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) has announced the expansion of its annual AOP Awards ceremony to run alongside 100% Optical in February 2017. Following a record attendance of more than 7,000 professionals at this year’s 100% Optical show, the move brings together the two successful events under one roof in London.

A highlight in the optical calendar, the AOP Awards celebrates the extraordinary achievements of individuals and organisations in optics and has grown in popularity since its launch in 2011. Now in its third year, 100% Optical has become London’s biggest trade event in the profession, with a comprehensive CET programme showcasing education, innovation and product development. The alignment of the AOP Awards at 100% Optical enables the Association to showcase excellence in the profession on a larger scale, with benefits for members, guests and delegates.

Henrietta Alderman, AOP Chief Executive, said: “Since its launch three years ago, 100% Optical has enabled us to deliver a world-class education programme, with exclusive access to seminars, workshops and one-to-one advice for AOP members. The alignment of the AOP Awards at 100% Optical further cements our ongoing partnership with Media 10. Our members can look forward to an even bigger show next year, which combines both educational excellence and a celebration of the leading lights in the profession.”

Nathan Garnett, Event Director for 100% Optical, said: “We are delighted to add the prestigious AOP Awards to the already popular evening event schedule during 100% Optical. This is yet another reason for optical professionals from across the country to book their trip to ExCeL next February. Not only is 100% Optical the largest gathering of optical professionals in the year, it also now has the most important annual awards recognising excellence taking place alongside it. There are many benefits in the alignment of the AOP Awards and 100% Optical and we are excited about the new opportunities it brings us to develop both events.”

Over the coming months, the Association will be reviewing the AOP Awards with plans for expansion at 100% Optical, with further announcements to follow. The next AOP Awards will take place on Sunday 5 February 2017 in the Capital Suite at ExCeL London, enabling guests the opportunity to experience 100% Optical on both Sunday and Monday.

This announcement follows the long-term commitment made in February 2016 by the AOP and Media 10 to continue their partnership on the annual London-based 100% Optical event.

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

Notes to Editors

Association of Optometrists 

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) is the leading professional membership organisation for optometrists and other optical professionals in the UK. We support our community of 16,000 plus members to fulfil their professional roles to protect the nation’s eye health. As a founding member of the Optical Confederation we work with others to improve eye health for the public good.

AOP Awards

The AOP Awards recognises the highest levels of achievement in UK optics and has quickly become a highlight of the optical calendar since its launch in 2011. Previously held during the National Optical Conference in Birmingham, the AOP Awards will be relocated to 100% Optical on 5 February 2017. We would like to thank all our sponsors – Alcon, CooperVision, Keeler, Leightons and Scope Ophthalmics – for their continued support. For more information about sponsorship opportunities, contact Adam Lloyds at Think, at [email protected], or telephone 020 3771 7203.

100% Optical

100% Optical is delivered in partnership with the AOP and our journal Optometry Today. It's London's only annual trade event for industry professionals including optometrists, dispensing opticians, contact lens practitioners, ophthalmologists and undergraduates. Working alongside award-winning events company, Media 10, 100% Optical has become the industry’s flagship annual, international event – combining creativity and innovation to expand the delegate experience.

Media 10

Media 10 is the most decorated media and events company in the UK. A privately-owned company based in Loughton, Essex, employing 200 staff, Media 10 Ltd has fast become one of the leading players in the media and events industry as a result of running some of the most iconic and successful events and magazines in the country, including Grand Designs magazine, Icon magazine, Grand Designs Live and the world’s oldest consumer exhibition: The Ideal Home Show.