Education highlights at 100% Optical 2026

The show marks a key opportunity for optometrists and dispensing opticians to start strong on their learning goals with a variety of continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities in the education programme, curated by the official event partner, the AOP.

Among the wide-ranging topics explored across the three-days of the show, Dr Ian Beasley, head of education at the AOP and OT clinical editor, identified developments in glaucoma and updates in myopia management as key themes on the Main Stage.

Diagnostics has also emerged as a common topic across the programme for 2026, with sessions on optimising visual field testing, optical coherence tomography in everyday practice, and artificial intelligence models in practice.

In the Dispensing Workshop, delegates can attend peer reviews and discussion workshops relating to a number of clinical topics, from age-related macular degeneration, to visual field testing.

The Optical Academy will also host peer reviews and discussion workshops, with sessions covering practitioner wellbeing, anterior uveitis, and artificial intelligence in practice.

Advanced planning

As the show opens its doors at the start of the second year of the CPD cycle, Beasley encouraged delegates to check their progress towards meeting their CPD targets through MyGOC and to plan sessions accordingly.

“The programme sessions can be filtered by domain, number of points, and type – such as discussion workshop and peer review – enabling them to be strategic about the content they may wish to prioritise,” he explained.

Priority booking for CPD sessions will be live for AOP members in the week beginning 19 January, with general bookings to open from 28 January.

Sarah Daniels, senior marketing manager for 100% Optical at CloserStill Media, encouraged those interested in attending the event to register for a pass in advance in order to access priority booking.

Daniels said: “We recommend popping the opening date and time in the diary as a reminder when it is open for pre-booking as sessions do get booked up quickly. We release more capacity at the end of February, and always leave 20% of seats for walk-ins on the day.”

An exhibitor insight

The exhibitor list for the 2026 show has also been made available online, with more than 250 brands and suppliers across eyewear, eye care, and equipment.

Organisers identified new brands appearing at the 2026 show as Ultra Unlimited Studio Area, Ocu Care, Monarkh Eyewear, Alexander Wintsch, and One Interior Space.

Returning exhibitors include Boots Opticians, Alcon, Nikon Lenswear UK, and Mykita.

Visitors can also see the latest in equipment from suppliers including Heidelberg Engineering, Topcon Healthcare and Carl Zeiss.

With the exhibitors set to host live demonstrations, Daniels said: “100% Optical is the perfect opportunity to experience the latest optical equipment in action.”

“With the industry’s innovators gathered under one roof at one time, delegates can discover groundbreaking technology, meet new suppliers, and source the right equipment to grow their practice,” she commented.

Registration is open and delegates are encouraged to claim their tickets to ensure they keep up-to-date with information on the show, education booking, and more.

Delegates who will be observing Ramadan can request iftar meal vouchers via a form on the 100% Optical website, and are invited to identify any additional requests on the registration form.

Early insights into equipment at 100% Optical

OT asked equipment manufacturers and suppliers for a peek into their plans for the show, to give readers an idea of what they can expect.

1 Get hands-on with new technology

Tim Baker, CEO at BIB Ophthalmic Instruments, shared that visitors to stand G10 can expect live demonstrations of the latest clinical and diagnostic instruments, and opportunities to get hands-on with new technology.

Baker shared that, in addition to learning about new product launches, visitors can also: “find exclusive show offers on equipment and consumables, benefit from expert advice tailored to their needs, and participate in competitions and CPD educational sessions.”

Asked to identify one innovation that will be a gamechanger for practices in 2026, Baker highlighted the Visionix VX625 Ultra-widefield retinal imaging device. The device can capture up to 95% of the retina without requiring pupil dilation.

“It provides a much more comprehensive view of the retina, allowing for the detection of diseases that might be missed with traditional methods,” he said.

This wide view supports earlier diagnosis, as well as better management of eye conditions, he suggested.

The device is compact to fit into any practice, with a low flash level that improves patient comfort and compliance.

2 Automation and streamlining workflows

Topcon shared: “Join us at the Topcon Healthcare booth to explore automated artificial intelligence workflows that bring innovation into everyday clinical practice through a variety of third-party AI solutions that support automation, diagnostic confidence, and efficient decision making, helping clinicians deliver more connected and patient-centred care.

Delegates will be able to discover how Topcon’s integrated Digital Health Solutions ecosystem streamlines workflows, delivers instant clinical insights, and scalable digital health capabilities through IMAGEnet7 and Harmony, the company shared.

This offers seamless data access, intelligent system integration, and collaborative care workflows, enhancing efficiency and connectivity.

3 Upgrade clinical practice

Mainline Instruments will be on stand J20 at 100% Optical with its portfolio of devices designed to “upgrade clinical practice.” This will include the iCare Eidon and DRSplus, Oculus Keratograph 5M, Pentacam HR, Corvis ST, and the new Optomed LUMO.

Visitors will also be able to look at the iCare IC100 Tonometer and iCare IC200.

The company are also hosting a CPD-accredited lecture on the Main Stage exploring The clinical value of confocal UWF imaging.

4 Advanced solutions

EssilorLuxottica will be found on stands F12 and G10 at 100% Optical, displaying its portfolio of innovations from vision care and frame brands to medtech.

Tim Precious, general manager for UK and Ireland at EssilorLuxottica, highlighted the commitment of the company to support eye care professionals “in bringing the most advanced innovative solutions to their patients.”

“This drives everything we do, and we’re thrilled to be exhibiting at the event once again this year, bringing together our portfolio of products and services under one roof,” he said.

There will be a strong emphasis on wearable technology on the stand, with the full range on display including the integrated hearing solution, Nuance Audio, and the artificial intelligence-powered smartglasses: Ray-Ban Meta, and the recently launched Oakley Meta.

Precious predicted: “We believe offering wearable technology to patients will be a gamechanger for optical practices in 2026. Our wearable innovations blend style, functionality, and health benefits and are designed to be so versatile that one day they may even replace traditional connected devices.”