100% Optical reviewed: “A huge success”

The 2024 edition of 100% Optical gathered the profession together to discuss the key topics in eye health, demonstrate the latest in technology, and celebrate eyewear design, with more than 11,725 attendees.

Adam Sampson, chief executive of the AOP, commented: “Each year I come [to 100% Optical] it seems to be bigger, more vibrant, more energetic, more confident, and more imaginative.”

Thanking the organisers at Media 10, and the teams at the AOP involved in the show, Sampson added: “It is a huge success.”

Pressing topics

The programme of education was packed with opportunities to engage in continuing professional development (CPD).

Dr Ian Beasley, head of education for the AOP and OT clinical editor, explained: “The education programme at this year’s event was more popular than ever with strong attendance across more than 120 CPD sessions over the three days.”

Several key themes were evident in the presentations, with myopia management remaining a core focus for the profession.
Elizabeth Lumb, director of professional affairs for myopia management at CooperVision, delivered the Main Stage presentation Through their eyes – a journey of myopia management in children.

This included a panel featuring four of the participants of the MiSight 1 day clinical trial, now young adults who have experienced the benefits of myopia management.

Monica Jong, global director of myopia professional education for Johnson & Johnson MedTech, also hosted a session outlining the extent of the global burden of myopia, and the solutions to mitigate this.

The potential for technology in eye care, and how to harness existing equipment, were also explored through sessions such as Tim Cole, head of clinical affairs for Heidelberg Engineering UK’s, Do androids dream of electric eyes?

Dr Mario Giardini, a University of Strathclyde academic, discussed how smartphones and digital displays could be utilised to deliver eye care in the community, in his presentation: Task shifting from secondary care to the community.

Access to care, and meeting the needs of every patient, were also explored throughout the programme.

Representatives of The Eyes Have It partnership, along with the national clinical director for eye care, Louisa Wickham, discussed opportunities to prevent avoidable sight loss, and covered the call for a national strategy for eye care in England.

Specsavers’ Paul Morris, director of professional advancement, and Giles Edmonds, clinical services director, were joined by Professor Anthony King, a consultant ophthalmologist at Nottingham University Hospital, to explore the question: Are we doing everything we can for every glaucoma patient?

The AOP delivered a suite of education on stand throughout the show, with Wendy Steele, AOP commercial director, explaining that the sessions focused on the needs and requirements of eye care professionals in the third year of the CPD cycle.

“We’re really pleased to work with Johnson & Johnson MedTech, CooperVision, and Optos, to make sure we are delivering the right education for members,” she said.

All new

Across the show floor, exhibitors showcased the latest products, services, and technologies.

Hoya Vision Care revealed the Hi Vision Meiryo, a new coating offering clarity, scratch resistance and low reflectance.

Grafton Optical showcased the QuickSee Free Handheld Autorefractor from PlenOptika and the Tono-Vera Handheld Tonometer from Reichert.

Optinet, meanwhile, launched a new cloud-based practice management software system, the Optinet Nova.
In eyewear, Eyespace revealed its new brand, Arhlo. The new line focused on inclusivity, with gender-neutral styles utilising sustainable materials, and marked its first major launch since the company received B-Corporation certification.

Good Karma injected a dose of sunshine to the show, with its bright orange stand, as it showcased colourful collections and celebrated its latest licence with Moleskine.

The footprint of the show dedicated to contact lenses was larger than ever, as Alcon joined the event for the first time, focusing on the topic of comfort in contact lenses, and highlighting its water surface technology.

CooperVision returned for a second year, bringing the results of the Fresh Thinking campaign which kicked-off at 100% Optical 2023. On the stand, the company shared ideas from eye care professionals on how to tackle the pinch points at each stage of the contact lens patient fitting journey.

The debut of 100% Ophthalmology also saw content and products for ophthalmic teams.

A successful partnership

The 2024 show marked 10 years of 100% Optical, and organisers reflected on how the optical show had grown and evolved.

Marlon Cera-Marle, show director, told OT: “10 years in any industry doing an exhibition is a massive celebration. To be here and to see how the show has grown is amazing.”

The director of 100% Optical explained that a key focus of the organisers has been regarding the growth of the show, looking at equipment and new technologies, and exploring how fashion pushes forward into sustainability.

The AOP’s Wendy Steele reflected: “For a lot of the team who were here for the first show, it is really special to be recognising the 10^th year because we know that the AOP has had such an integral part in its success, having worked on the show in partnership with Media 10 since its inception.”

“The fact we can celebrate the success together and talk to what the next 10 years looks like for this partnership, is something quite special,” she added.

Recognising the success of the collaboration, Media 10, the AOP and OT have confirmed the partnership will be extended for three-years.

 

As official UK media partner to the show, OT has produced a suite of news and interviews from 100% Optical on a dedicated digital hub here.