100% Optical Sees Surge in Senior Talent
with Significant Growth in Optometrists, Buyers, and Ophthalmologists
The UK’s largest optical event, 100% Optical, took place at the Excel Centre in London from March 1-3, drawing an impressive crowd of over 11,000 attendees. With more than 250 exhibitors and 500 brands on display, the event reaffirmed its position as a premier gathering for the optical industry.
This year’s edition saw a marked increase in senior professionals, with a 9% rise in optometrists and dispensing opticians, a 20% surge in buyers, and a remarkable 66% growth in senior-level ophthalmologists and consultants attending the co-located 100% Ophthalmology event.
The three-day event, built around the theme of ‘Focusing on the Future’, delivered an immersive experience with a diverse lineup of exhibitors, cutting-edge industry launches, exclusive networking opportunities, and a dynamic educational program featuring over 100 hours of free CPD content. Attendees also enjoyed vibrant catwalk shows and dedicated areas showcasing manufacturers, distributors, independent brands, retailers, lenses, and ophthalmology innovations.
A standout moment of the event was the highly anticipated Love Eyewear Awards, celebrating excellence in the eyewear industry. Winners were unveiled during a special ceremony on Saturday, March 1:
- New Designer 2025: TANAKA Eyewear
- Women’s Sunglasses Frame of the Year: Vanni Eyewear – Embrace1
- Men’s Sunglasses Frame of the Year: Hoffman Natural Eyewear – Bloc
- Women’s Frame of the Year: SPADA LAURA / GAZUSA – Caroline
- Men’s Frame of the Year: Mad In Italy – Espresso
- Unisex Frame of the Year: VASUMA – CERASTE
- Kids’ Frame of the Year: Götti Switzerland – Götti Dimension Next
- Eyewear Accessory of the Year: COTI Vision – VITA Ombré
- Sustainable Frame of the Year: TANAKA Eyewear – Tortoiseshell
- Luxury Eyewear of the Year: Clayton Franklin – CF662
- Eyewear Retailer of the Year: Respectacle Co.
- Most Engaging Practice Window: Monocle Eye Care
- Best Use of Social Media: The Optical Gallery
This year marked the first edition of 100% Optical under the management of CloserStill Media, following its acquisition in October 2024. The event now joins CloserStill Media’s esteemed healthcare portfolio, which includes award-winning exhibitions such as Clinical Pharmacy Congress, Diabetes Professional Care, and Dentistry Show, along with the Jewellery Show – the UK’s leading jewellery trade event.
100% Optical continues to set the standard in the optical industry, reinforcing its reputation as the must-attend event for professionals dedicated to innovation, education, and business growth.
“Firstly, a massive congratulations to our 2025 Love Eyewear Award winners. Each year the competition gets fiercer, judging gets tougher and the ceremony gets more exciting.”
“We’d like to extend a special thank you to our valued exhibitors, sponsors, and all of the visitors who made 100% Optical the must-attend event for the industry again. This exhibition is a true celebration of innovation, expertise, and collaboration and this year was no different. We showcased a new layout and reimagined floor plan, encouraged the industry to clock hundreds of hours in CPD and witnessed so many exciting launches including Eyewear by David Beckham and a collection of glasses and sunglasses featuring the beloved Paddington bear.”
“We had the pleasure of witnessing the second edition of 100% Ophthalmology, our esteemed co-located event designed for ophthalmologists and their multidisciplinary teams. This exceptional three-day educational programme offered a dynamic platform for ophthalmologists to expand their knowledge, engage in meaningful networking, and collaborate with optometrists, fostering a spirit of professional growth.”
About 100% Optical
100% Optical 2026
February 28 - March 2, 2026
Excel London, United Kingdom
100% Optical is the UK’s largest optical trade show, uniting eyewear, lenses, technology, and education under one roof. Explore 250+ exhibitors and 5,000+ brands, meet 11,000+ peers, and earn CPD points through the AOP-curated programme. If you work in optics, this is your must-attend show at ExCeL London.
Square meters
Exhibitors
Visitors
Since launching in 2014, 100% Optical has quickly established itself as the largest optical event in the UK, attracting 10,657 UK and international visitors with more than 250 exhibitors. Organised in partnership with the Association of Optometrists (AOP), the annual show provides a platform for professionals to:
Be part of Europe's fastest growing optical event for the international community. If you are part of the optical industry, this is a must-attend event for you to grow your professional network and business in the UK and international market. Bookings for 100% Optical 2026 are filling up fast and spaces are limited.
More news on 100% Optical
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100% Optical 2026 // First CPD Sessions Revealed
100% Optical 2026 returns to London’s Excel from 28 February to 2 March 2026, introducing its new tagline “where eyewear meets eyecare.” The first 100% Optical CPD sessions are now confirmed, alongside the return of the 100% Studio independent eyewear showcase—bringing together innovation, education, and bold design.
100% Optical // Love Eyewear Awards 2026
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VANNI // LOVE Eyewear Award for Embrace
VANNI EMBRACE by Elisa Alberti wins “Women’s Sunglasses Frame of the Year” at the 2025 Love Eyewear Awards by 100% Optical.
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100% Optical // 2025 Showcases Must-See Eyewear Brands
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100% Optical // 2025 Education Program
Seminar bookings for 100% Optical, taking place at London’s Excel from 1st to 3rd March 2025, have been confirmed by the organisers in collaboration with the AOP, the event’s long standing education partner.
100% Optical // Exhibitor list now live
Organisers of the UK’s largest optical event, 100% Optical, have revealed the first wave of top brands who’ll be exhibiting at Europe’s fastest growing optical event when it returns in March.
