“I’m incredibly excited for the future of this event”

The three-day conference will be held in London on 28 February–2 March 2026. 

Registration for 100% Optical and its co-located event, 100% Ophthalmology, will open early September. 

The 2025 event marked the first 100% Optical show for new organisers, CloserStill Media (CSM), which acquired the optical trade show in 2024 from Media 10. 

As CSM prepares for the 2026 show, OT caught up with the Rob Chapman, commercial director for the human and animal healthcare portfolio, and Celsa Vazquez, commercial director, to hear their plans for the future of the event. 

100% Optical

Could you tell us about the experience CSM has in running trade shows in the healthcare sector? 

Rob Chapman (RC): We have been organising events for healthcare professionals since we started back in 2009, starting with dentists and pharmacists. We quickly expanded to vets, GPs, physiotherapists, clinical pharmacists, and quite a few more. There are many similarities in many of these markets – the quality of education, the importance of community, and the scarcity of time in practice to find out about new products and technologies. I have always thought those characteristics help drive the importance of events like ours. 

It’s also important to acknowledge that whilst there are similarities, none of the markets are the same, and I really look forward to finding out how we can add even more to 100% Optical to make it even better for the market we serve.

I really look forward to finding out how we can add even more to 100% Optical to make it even better for the market we serve

What led CSM to acquire 100% Optical?

Celsa Vazquez (CV): Primary care is a strength of CSM’s healthcare portfolio. We have sector-leading events in dentistry, general practice, and community pharmacy. 100% Optical completes the set, meaning we’re now across all of the primary care space. Strategically, it was an important decision for CSM to acquire this event. 

What is your impression of the optical sector in the UK?

CV: It’s really clear that this is a very vibrant sector, with so much going on, from the clinical side of things, to design, technology, and manufacturing. We can see the high demand for bridging the gap between optometry and ophthalmology, hence we’re proud to be the first in the world to bring the two under one roof.   

What is your vision for the future of 100% Optical?

CV: 100% Optical is an event for the entire optical community. There is a whole spectrum of opportunity for the ophthalmology sector. Our aim is to ensure that the new generation in optometry find this industry exciting, innovative, and cool. That is why we’re keen to bring so much innovation in eyewear and equipment. We want the new generation to see this industry and community as new and exciting. 

What are your expectations for 100% Optical 2026?

CV: We’re really keen to ensure 100% Optical and 100% Ophthalmology serve the entire optometry and ophthalmology communities. We want to align the education with products, services, and technologies that are relevant and engaging for everyone attending this event. I’m incredibly excited for the future of this event and can’t wait to see it develop and grow next year.

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