100% Optical 2026: “Everywhere at the show was buzzing”

The importance of connection was a common takeaway for organisers and attendees of 100% Optical 2026, held last week (28 February–2 March).

Three packed days saw the optometry profession gather for education and to see the latest innovations in equipment, contact lenses, eye care, and eyewear.

Dr Ian Beasley, head of education at the AOP and OT clinical editor, shared: “It’s been a really exciting programme.”

Content ranged from key topics around dry eye, presbyopia, and myopia management, as well as emerging fields such as artificial intelligence.

Josie Evans, optometrist at Linklater & Warren and an AOP Councillor, told OT: “There is such a great range of speakers and exhibitors as well. There is always a bit of content available for what everybody’s specialist interest is.”

The show also provided an opportunity for professionals to reconnect.

Ankur Trivedi, specialist optometrist, AOP Councillor and Board member, described the show as an “opportunity to get an idea of what’s going on in the sector and meet up with some people I haven't seen in a while. It’s really a chance to absorb the buzz around this show and sector.”

Commenting on an “amazing” show, Adam Sampson, AOP chief executive, said: “Looking around here you’ve got thousands of people, not just professionally working, doing business and learning, but also having fun, seeing old friends – and that’s the great thing about 100% Optical.”

Reflecting on the 2026 event, Beasley told OT: “My favourite thing about 100% Optical this year has been being able to catch up with so many friends and colleagues; network, share ideas, and have countless conversations.”

“Although the education programme is amazing and lots of people are here for their CPD points, it’s the peripheral, organic stuff that happens around that – I think that makes the event a really special place to be,” he explained.

Organisers acknowledged the work that goes into creating the show each year, from curating the education programme to enabling the profession to gather and connect.

Sampson said: “The team at the AOP spend months before every show putting together the education programme, building what is an amazing opportunity for people to see each other every year.”

On the final day of the show, Katy McCormack, 100% Optical event director, looked back over the three days and described the feeling as “rewarding.”

She said: “The team work so hard all year for just one event, so to see it all come together – to see the carpet down, the bright colours, all the exhibitors, it’s just so special. Everywhere at the show was buzzing.”

100% Optical 2027 will be held at Excel London from 27 February–1 March.