100% Optical: A must-attend event

The UK’s biggest optical trade show, 100% Optical 2025 has come to an end for another year, with more than 11,000 people in attendance.

Held at ExCeL London, the event took place over 1–3 March bringing together a bustling exhibition with a packed education programme.

The event saw a 9% rise in the number of optometrists and dispensing opticians, and a 20% increase in buyers overall.

The programme of continuing professional development (CPD) featured more than 100 sessions across 10 hubs during the three-day show.

Following its launch last year, 100% Ophthalmology was again co-located alongside the event, providing education for ophthalmologists and their teams. The event saw a 66% increase in senior-level ophthalmologists and consultants attending.

More than 250 exhibitors and 5000 brands attended the show. For the 2025 event, the 100% Studio area of independent eyewear brands was expanded with 12 new stands.

The show marked the first year organised by CloserStill Media, following its acquisition of 100% Optical in October 2024.

CloserStill’s portfolio of healthcare events includes Clinical Pharmacy Congress, Diabetes Professional Care, and the Dentistry Show.

Celsa Vazquez, commercial director at CloserStill Media, thanked exhibitors, sponsors and visitors “who made 100% Optical the must-attend event for the industry again.”

“This exhibition is a true celebration of innovation, expertise, and collaboration and this year was no different. We showcased a new layout and reimagined floorplan, encouraged the industry to clock hundreds of hours in CPD and witnessed so many exciting launches including Eyewear by David Beckham and a collection of glasses and sunglasses featuring the beloved Paddington Bear,” she added.

The next 100% Optical show will be held from 28 February–2 March 2026 at ExCeL London.

Reports from the 2025 are already live on OT with topics covering myopia management, record keeping, and artificial intelligence in eye care. The coming weeks will see even more interviews and reports from the show – keep up to date with all the 100% Optical news on OT’s dedicated page. 

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