03 October 2025
Organisers of 100% Optical have encouraged those interested in attending to register early for their free pass and to receive the latest on all news from the show.
Registration is now open for the 2026 show, which will be held from 28 February–2 March at Excel London.
Sarah Daniels, senior marketing manager, 100% Optical, advised: “Register early so you can arrange study leave in good time and book any travel or accommodation requirements early to secure the best deals.”
“Early registration gives you priority access to event updates and the chance to book your preferred seminars before spaces fill up,” she added.
Early education insight
This autumn also sees the first reveals of the seminar programme, curated by AOP as the official education partner for the show. Bookings for the continuing professional development (CPD) programme will launch in January.
Organisers encouraged delegates to review the programme as seminars are added over the coming months, for early insight into the key topics set to be covered at the event.
Dr Ian Beasley, head of education at the AOP and OT clinical editor, said: “As we enter the second year of the CPD cycle, it is a good time for practitioners to review their professional development plan to work out where there might be gaps and look to address them. Practitioners might also wish to seek education on new areas of clinical practice to consolidate or expand their knowledge.”
Register now
Planning ahead
New for 2026, the event organisers will be launching an app, available on iOS and Android, where delegates will be able to browse the seminar agenda, speaker line-up, exhibitor list, product listings, floorplan, and make meeting requests with exhibitors. The app is set to be available for download in the new year.
Daniels told OT: “The event app ensures delegates are able to plan their time wisely and gain easy access to everything they need throughout their visit.”
The show will also feature a larger Central Bar area, providing delegates with more space to rest in between seminar sessions and meetings with suppliers.
Delegates will be able to begin approaching exhibitors for meetings from the end of October, organisers said, by visiting company profiles on the exhibitor list on the 100% Optical website.
Exhibitors for 2026 have been confirmed to include: Albert I’mStein, Sightique Optic Supplies, Henau Eyewear, Mastery Coaching, and Canfly Marketing.
With the upcoming 100% Optical event app, delegates will be able to bookmark their must-visit exhibitor stands and build a personalised schedule.
Tips for meeting with exhibitors
Sharing tips for arranging meetings with exhibitors, Daniels said: “We always recommend planning early. Review the exhibitor list to identify the companies you would like to connect with, keeping in mind your practice needs and pain points, as well as your own personal interests and goals.”
Each company profile on the exhibitor list includes key information such as website and social media links, and press releases, which Daniels suggested delegates can use to research in advance to prepare for productive conversations.
“Where possible, book meetings in advance to ensure you get time with them – the exhibitors will be busy,” she shared.
Daniels also encouraged delegates to explore new and smaller exhibitors while at the show: “You never know where you’ll find the next big idea.”
Iftar meal vouchers will be provided to delegates who request these, through a form available on the 100% Optical website.
Delegates are also invited to indicate any additional requests when registering for the event online, so organisers can look into making appropriate provisions.
For full information on observing Ramadan while at 100% Optical, visit the 100% Optical website.
Eyewear at 100% Optical
A major draw of 100% Optical is the variety of eyewear brands available to meet: from the most recognisable logos to the freshest independent designs. OT asked organisers what delegates can expect from the eyewear scene at the show this year.
Daniels said: “100% Optical is the place to discover new directions and see the next trends ahead of the season, from luxury to independent brands.”
The 100% Catwalk will return for 2026 with three runway shows each day.
Daniels said: “From sleek minimalism to bold statement frames, each set explores fresh ways to style glasses and sunglasses for every look and occasion. Expect high-energy walks, signature dance breaks, and a curated edit of this season’s most exciting designs.”
The 100% Studio is ideal for “fashion-forward practices” looking for independent eyewear, Daniels suggested.
Sponsored by Nikon Lenswear UK, the area will champion independent brands, boutique practices and retailers, with short TED Talk-style sessions.
Daniels explained that these sessions will be designed to “inspire and advise business owners on how to forge a path forward to success within the independent sector.”
The Love Eyewear Awards, hosted at the end of the first day of the show, will celebrate the best of the industry.
Don’t forget to visit the OT website for the latest news, interviews, and insight from the show.
Four early insights into eyewear at 100% Optical
To give readers an exclusive peek behind-the-scenes at what to expect from eyewear exhibitors at 100% Optical, OT asked brands to share a hint of what they will be bringing to the show.
Find out more from Bird Eyewear, Millmead Optical Group, Red Eyewear, and Albert I’mStein.
1 Bird Eyewear: vibrancy and sustainability
Working from its Nature Lab in Cornwall, the brand has used refined techniques to extract colour from “the most unlikely places,” OT heard.
2 Millmead Optical Group: individuality in eyewear
James Conway, CEO of Millmead Optical Group said: “Visitors to 100% Optical can expect a showcase of new design, alongside the latest innovations in advanced lens technology from Jai Kudo Lenses, including KUDOS and KUDOS Office, with plenty of opportunity to explore and discuss what’s new.”
Looking at trends in the sector, he suggested: “In 2026, eyewear will continue to celebrate individuality through craftsmanship, shape, colour and material.”
“Continental Eyewear reflects these themes across its collections, from Puriti’s Japanese precision to Reykjavik Eyes’ geometric forms and natural Icelandic inspirations, and vibe by Cameo’s bold approach to colour and laminations,” he added.
3 Red Eyewear: A season of surprises
Returning in a “bigger and better way” the company told OT: “Delegates will have the opportunity to meet the designers and in-house team who work behind the scenes, find out more about the brands and join Red Eyewear in celebrating the start of a new season with some special surprises on offer during the show.”
The company will present its spring/summer collections for Planet Pop, Forever & a Day and The Recycled Readers Co.
The team at Red Eyewear expect to see more narrow, rectangular, and oval silhouettes trending in 2026, along with “frames that have contemporary lens shapes but with reimagined vintage features, dropped lugs, and wider temples.”
Styling will be influenced by grunge metal colours, the company suggests, in gold, silver, and mono-colour designs.
4 Albert I’mStein: character without limitations
Dong Jin Kim, president of Albert I’m Stein, shared: “Visitors to our stand can expect our signature style: fun, happy eyewear that isn’t limited by age or gender. Our designs are powered by a multinational team, drawing influences from South Korea, UK, France, Germany, Hong Kong, and Japan. We don’t chase trends — we lead with positivity, originality, and designs that aim to put a smile on the wearer’s face, every day.”
He added: “Most importantly, during the fair we will proudly present our newest collection — a showcase of fresh designs that reflect our playful spirit and commitment to pushing the boundaries of eyewear. We look forward to connecting with delegates, sharing our latest pieces, and continuing the conversations that started in years past.”
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