Double digit growth at 100% Optical

The organiser of 100% Optical has shared that the industry trade show experienced double digit growth on visitor figures at ExCeL London over the weekend (27–29 January).

Media 10, the events company behind 100% Optical, said that the show was “bigger, bolder and brighter than ever before,” with visitors attending from all over the world.

In its fifth year, the show welcomed 8936 attendees, which is an 11% increase in visitors compared to last year.

100% Optical event director, Nathan Garnett said: “We’ve had double digit growth on visitor figures which is great news for our fifth anniversary and we’ve noticed a significant number of first-time visitors who haven’t been to an optical show before.”

Mr Garnett added that the new audiology section proved a success with a “dozen new exhibitors and a programme of audiology seminars.”

“It’s a new initiative and momentum is starting to build as practitioners recognise an opportunity to align additional services to their clinical portfolio,” he shared.

Mr Garnett shared that rebooking exhibitor numbers are at a record high, with more than double rebooks year-on-year. Already booked to exhibit at next year’s show (12–14 January 2019) are companies such as Birmingham Optical, Leighton’s Opticians and eyewear company Salt.

AOP education

During the show, the AOP developed and delivered over 140 hours of CET-accredited sessions, as well as CPD for the whole practice team. 

Head of education at the AOP, Dr Ian Beasley, said: “There’s been a palpable shift in the feel of the event this year. Sessions have been full to capacity with practitioners from all modes of practice eager to hear updates on latest clinical research outcomes, technology updates and refresh skills across a broad range of core competencies.”

He added that plans are now coming together for 2019 to evolve the event.

The show featured over 200 exhibitors, which included companies such as Cerium, William Morris and Bausch & Lomb.

It also featured a catwalk, showcasing the top eyewear trends and brands to look out for in 2018, with children modelling new junior frames on the Saturday.

On the Sunday evening, the AOP Awards 2018 celebrated the best of the industry, with Professor David Henson recognised with the AOP’s Lifetime Achievement Award.