100% Optical

A head start

Taking place in March, 100% Optical 2025 will be an optimum time to get ahead in the new three-year CPD cycle. OT heard more from organisers and spoke to contact lens manufacturers about plans for the show

2 min read

100% Optical

Kimberley Young

09 December 2024

The education programme for 100% Optical 2025 has been released and the date for bookings to open is rapidly approaching.

The optical trade show will take place at ExCeL London from 1–3 March with a programme of continuing professional development (CPD) sessions curated by the AOP, official UK partner of 100% Optical.

Dr Ian Beasley, head of education at the AOP and OT clinical editor, said: “The education programme will offer more than 100 sessions across a variety of topics on areas of contemporary practice for all practitioner types.”

Approximately 7000 seats are available across the CPD programme, with capacity held for walk-in bookings on a first-come-first-served basis.

AOP members who have registered for the show will gain exclusive early-access for booking CPD sessions in January, before the programme is open to all delegates later that month.

With 2025 marking the first year of a new CPD cycle, Beasley suggested that delegates can get ahead of fulfilling their education requirements.

“Get a head-start on the new CPD cycle with a mixture of discussion workshops, peer reviews, and lectures – all approved for interactive points,” he said.

Topics featured in the education programme for 100% Optical 2025 include advanced imaging techniques, myopia management, artificial intelligence, contact lenses, dispensing, clinical decision making, glaucoma, and many more.

AOP members can access the AOP Lounge, which will host a selection of discussion workshops and peer review CPD sessions led by expert speakers.

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Selin Pera, senior marketing executive at CloserStill Media, highlighted that the CPD content will cover the four domains of professionalism, communication, clinical practice, and leadership and accountability.

Sharing advice for delegates, Pera said: “With how popular these sessions are, we encourage delegates to start planning what they wish to attend as early as possible. This will enable them to ensure that when it comes to booking education in January, they know exactly which session they want to book and will have a higher chance of securing that booking.”

“As always, we will hold back capacity for walk-ins to ensure every delegate has a chance to attend the sessions they wish to. However, we are aware as we continue to grow as a community and show, this may become harder if delegates register at a later date,” she continued, emphasising the importance of registering as early as possible to be kept up to date on all show news and communications.

What to expect in contact lenses?

The Vision team at Johnson & Johnson will return to 100% Optical to showcase its Acuvue portfolio of contact lenses.

The company highlighted the benefits of the contact lens technology in comfort and meeting the vision and lifestyle needs of patients.

A spokesperson for the company said: “We will be on hand to showcase our professional development and educational offerings as we continue to support eye care professionals.”

The company will also be discussing its sustainability commitments, including its contact lens recycling programme, and the use of renewable energy as its manufacturing facility in Limerick.

Alcon joined 100% Optical for the first time in 2024 and will return to the event with a stronger presence.

Jason Klomp, Vision Care country franchise head for Alcon UK and Ireland, said: “Visitors will be able to visit our stand where we will feature our latest innovations in Water Surface Contact Lenses, as well as intraocular lenses used in cataract procedures.”

“We are thrilled to again be sponsoring the Future Practice hub this year, offering delegates an opportunity to attend three exclusive CPD sessions daily. We will also present a main stage CPD lecture that is not to be missed,” he continued.

Bausch + Lomb will present its Bausch + Lomb Ultra One Day contact lens on its stand and share news in the presbyopia space.

Petra Vacca, business unit director for Bausch + Lomb Vision Care in the UK, Ireland, and Nordics, said that delegates can see how two “breakthrough technologies” in the Bausch + Lomb Ultra One Day work with the tear film and deliver high breathability and moisture.

“In fact, it is the only contact lens with ComfortFeel Technology designed to release a proprietary combination of comfort and eye health ingredients during lens wear that help maintain the tear film and ocular surface homeostasis,” she said.

Vacca added: “There will also be exciting news for presbyopes, as we expand our contact lens portfolio even further, so do visit our stand to find out more about this practice growth opportunity.”

CooperVision will exhibit at 100% Optical for its third consecutive year to share how the company can support a “lifetime of wear,” the company told OT, “from children with myopia to adults managing presbyopia.”

The company highlighted that CPD education will form a key part of its stand experience, sharing that it will host “prebooked sessions on hot topics to allow delegates to gain valuable CPD points.”

“We look forward to welcoming delegates on stand at 100% Optical 2025,” a spokesperson said.