Fifth year for 100% Optical

The UK optical trade show is celebrating its fifth year and event director, Nathan Garnett, told OT that the show will feature the biggest selection of exhibitors that it has ever had, with a completely new line up of hubs and theatres to deliver the AOP’s CET and seminar programme.

Mr Garnett told OT: “With the biggest line-up ever, including lots of returning brands and major new signings, we are set for a record-breaking show. This calls for a special fifth anniversary party – open to all on Saturday 27 January – and we will continue the celebrations the following night at the AOP Awards.

“It will be a show full of rewarding business, networking, inspiration, and celebrations that are not to be missed,” he enthused.

"With the biggest line-up ever, including lots of returning brands and major new signings, we are set for a record breaking show"

 

Exhibitors already announced include: BiB Ophthalmic Instruments, Continental Eyewear, Grafton Optical, Heidelberg Engineering, the Macular Disease Society, Optik Mizen, Prospect Health, Shamir, Thomson Software Solutions and Zuma Eyewear.

Mr Garnett also confirmed that the 2018 fashion shows will have a new theme. The Fashion Hub has been renamed the 20/20 Catwalk because of a new partnership with 20/20 Europe, who will deliver the latest fashion trends and styles for 2018.

The show offers industry professionals the chance to learn, network and discover the latest product innovations, technologies and solutions, with CET points available through an extensive education programme organised by the AOP.

Education offering

OT’s clinical editor and the AOP’s head of education, Dr Ian Beasley, told OT about the new developments in the show’s education programme, which includes a Future Practice Hub and an Optical Academy.

“New for 2018 will be the Future Practice Hub, which will provide an insight into what lies ahead across a broad range of themes, from the future of education, technology, and research through to commissioning of enhanced services, and taking the optimal approach to contact lenses in modern practice,” he shared.

Dr Beasley continued: “Next year’s event also sees the arrival of the Optical Academy, which will be central to the ethos of 100% Optical in offering something for the whole practice. The programme will see the introduction of CPD sessions tailored for optical assistants, alongside education for the whole team, as well as CET for all practitioner types.”

On the 2018 Main Stage there will be keynote presentations from Professor Anna Horwood, who will outline all you need to know about accommodation, and consultant ophthalmologist, Allon Barsam, who will provide an update on the advances in refractive surgery. Moorfields consultant ophthalmologist, Mariya Moosajee, will also present an overview of genetic treatment for inherited eye disease.

Registration opens 1 September. Visit the 100% Optical website.