18 February 2024
The biggest optical show in the UK calendar is mere days away as 100% Optical returns to the ExCeL Centre in London from 24–26 February.
This year’s event will be one to remember, as show organisers recognise 10 years of 100% Optical. Celebratory activities include a scavenger hunt hosted across the three days of the show.
To help readers prepare, OT found out all the need-to-know tips for 100% Optical from show organisers.
1 The inside scoop
Over the past few months, OT has been compiling a wealth of insight and resources to support delegate planning for 100% Optical. Read about exhibitor stand activities, previews from speakers in the education programme, and the latest news from the show on OT’s dedicated page.
2 <em>OT</em> asked Jedd Barry, head of marketing at 100% Optical: The weekend of 100% Optical 2024 has arrived. What and how will you be...
Celebrating? 10 years of 100% Optical.
Learning? With more than 100 hours of free continuing professional development (CPD) content in association with the AOP and the latest industry developments.
Refuelling? Happy hours and networking events aplenty at the Central Bar at the show (and, of course, plenty of coffee).
Reflecting? On how the show has grown from humble beginnings to becoming the largest event for the optical industry in the UK.
3 Navigating CPD at 100% Optical – top tips from Dr Ian Beasley, head of education for the AOP and <em>OT</em> clinical editor
Before the show; visit your MyGOC portal to review where you are at in relation to meeting your CPD requirements in the current cycle and identify clinical areas on your personal development plan (PDP) that you might want to target.
In need of interactive points? Good news – all CPD sessions meet the ‘interactive’ requirement.
Missing any domains? You can filter the seminar programme by domain to identify specific sessions you may wish to attend.
While you’re at the show, take the opportunity to relate learnings from sessions you attend to real-life practise. For instance, if you’re planning to attend a session on myopia management, then set aside time to visit exhibitors offering these products so you can update and consolidate your knowledge on the latest options.
4 A warm welcome at the AOP Lounge
The AOP Lounge can be found at stand W310 in the exhibition hall, offering a suite of educational sessions, as well as providing members the opportunity to meet with individuals from the AOP team.
The programme of CPD content on the AOP stand will include peer reviews and peer discussions delivered by CooperVision on the Saturday, Johnson & Johnson MedTech on the Sunday, and Optos on the Monday.
The AOP Lounge will host a café area and water cooler. AOP members can claim a free hot drink from the AOP Lounge café by showing their name badge which should identify them as an AOP member.
5 Making the most of 100% Optical – top tips from Ceri Smith-Jaynes, multimedia clinical editor for <em>OT</em>
Plan your day. The show can get busy; if there is a supplier you would really like to talk to, then contact them ahead of the show and book an appointment. Alternatively, turn up early at their stand or during a popular CPD session. Highlight your ‘must visit’ stands on the show map but do leave time for a bit of meandering too.
Face-to-face meetings are less common than they used to be so make the most of the networking. Strike up a conversation with the people around you. You never know who you might meet and what opportunities could arise from a casual chat in a queue. Ask if any of your old friends are going and arrange a coffee together in the AOP Lounge. The AOP legal and regulatory team will be at the AOP stand so come over and ask them questions.
If your plans change, please cancel any CPD bookings you have made so others can book on. If you didn’t get a booking for a CPD session you wish to attend, you can always try arriving early to queue for any unfilled spaces.
Try something new: attend a seminar on a new topic you know nothing about, visit a stand you don’t recognise and ask them what they do, get a demonstration of an innovative piece of equipment, find a new frame supplier. While it’s great to focus on your personal development plan, live events allow you to explore new avenues.
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