Tools of the trade

Looking forward to February’s show, marketing manager at Haag-Streit UK, Sharon Mills, told OT: “Haag-Streit UK had a very successful 100% Optical this year, so we are delighted to be returning to the ExCeL again for 2016. 100% Optical provides us with an excellent opportunity to meet with the optometry community and we look forward to another interesting and successful event.”

Returning to the show for a third consecutive year, Carl Zeiss will be present to showcase its complete practice solution, from its Essential Line of basic diagnostic devices through to its latest Cirrus HD-OCT technology.

Throughout the show, the equipment manufacturer will also be holding a number of on-stand workshops, with further details to be released shortly, confirmed Emma Baynes, marketing and communication executive at Carl Zeiss.

Having exhibited at 100% Optical since it was established, speaking about the benefits which the event brings, Ms Baynes told OT: “We feel that 100% Optical has quickly become a key event in the optical calendar, as both a trade show and educational event.

“With a growing number of attendees and exhibitors each year, 2015 was very exciting and we are expecting even bigger things for 2016.”

Reinforcing this message for Heidelberg Engineering, Ms Malbon said: “For the past two years 100% Optical has provided the perfect platform for Heidelberg Engineering to showcase how Spectralis multimodal fundus and OCT imaging can differentiate High Street practices, while the AOP-organised educational programme has given us the opportunity to raise the standard of imaging to improve patient care in the community.”

Having recently confirmed the establishment of a new faculty by the Heidelberg Engineering Academy, its first event will be hosted on the second day of the show (7 February) at the Sunborn Yacht, close to the ExCeL. It will be made up of like-minded optometric professionals who are “passionate about promoting enhanced clinical services, and developing clinical confidence in a multi-modal imaging approach to improved patient care in the community,” Heidelberg Engineering explained. The networking event will share the personal experiences of optometrists who have made a success of OCT in practice.

Education for all

Complementing the exhibition, within the hall there will also be a dedicated education stream, featuring equipment-related lectures, as well as some talks covering hot topics in optics.

During the show, speakers will take to the stage to discuss everything from OCT and glaucoma to refractive surgery in 2016 and vitroretinal surgery.

Featuring in the presentations is Heidelberg Engineering’s director of clinical services, Chris Mody, who will host a session on the opening day of the show (6 February) which aims to help delegates understand how OCT images are acquired, develop a structured approach to image analysis and interpretation, and will cover appropriate management and referral strategies for retinal disease.

Expected to be a highlight from the hub during Sunday’s programme (7 February) is Neelam Patel discussing Modernising today’s practice – maximising the use of new technologies. Optometrist Ms Patel will take to the stage to discuss advancements in technology in optometric practice and how practitioners can increase the use of current technology in their practice, as well as successfully introduce new technology.

On the final day of the event (8 February), Fight for Sight Speaker Network member, Dr Christos Bergeles, will talk robots and how they can be used to aid vitreoretinal surgery.

During the lecture, entitled Developing robots that push the boundaries of minimal invasiveness in vitreoretinal surgery, Dr Bergeles will explain how robotic systems which can perform surgical tasks, provide assistance to clinicians, and expand their capabilities for faster patient recovery times, are being developed.

He will also discuss with delegates the current technological trends, as well as the potential clinical applications for these systems, with the aim of discussing both the pros and cons of robotics in ophthalmology.

Speaking on the final day of the show will be Alzheimer’s Research UK research fellow, Tim Shakespeare, and UCL Partners’ senior project manager, Sian Jones. They will take to the stage for a talk on Dementia – understanding the needs of patients in a clinical setting, which aims to inform delegates about the disease, how it presents and its prevalence.

For more information, to register and to book sessions, visit the 100% Optical website.