The organizers of 100% Optical have once again pledged to champion independent eyewear designers and manufacturers, with its biggest line-up ever when the three-day show returns in 2023, from 25-27 February at ExCeL London, UK.

Focus on Independents
A record number of its exhibitors will be independent frame designers, featuring independent brands including VAVA Eyewear, Vysen Eyewear, Salt, Nine Eyewear, Studio Optx and Bevel, and FFIN, who will be showcasing their latest innovations and designs which hero sustainability and environmentally friendly materials at the 2023 show. 

Furthermore, there will be an exciting new feature which further champions independent eyewear and sustainability.

Situated in the Eyewear section of 100% Optical, Makers Corner will be an area that highlights creative makers and designers in the optical industry. 

Nathan Garnett, 100% Optical show director, commented: “100% Optical was born out of a desire for independent frame designers and manufacturers to have a London based international show which is why independents have always been a highlight and key focus and this year is no exception. We’re taking it a step further in 2023 with a newly added Makers Corner featuring interactive sessions which shine a spotlight on unique crafters creating innovative optical designs that hero sustainability. Keep your eyes peeled for updates on this exciting new feature at 100% Optical in the coming weeks.”  

100% Optical has also revealed the judging panel for the Love Eyewear Awards, which are dedicated to celebrating the exciting world of eyewear, showcasing and promoting all things optics amongst independent and major designers, manufacturers and retailers.

Nathan Garnett added: “It’s not only been the number of entries that have blown us away this year, but the quality – and from some of the biggest names in the industry. The Love Eyewear Awards are growing year on year and since premiering in 2020 they’ve quickly become a calendar staple in the optical world.”

The shortlist will be announced on January 16, 2023, followed by the official awards ceremony which will be held at 100% Optical on February 25th 2023.

This year, there are a total of 12 diverse categories, including New Designer 2023, Sustainable Frame of the Year and Kids Frame of the Year.

Organizers have also announced the launch of 100% Optical’s wide-ranging 2023 education program, alongside a new process for delegates to book their places at the hugely popular CPD sessions during the show. 

Details of the first phase of the program are being released today (October 24th), with further releases of sessions in November and December. Bookings will open in early January, with priority access given to delegates registered in advance.

In collaboration with the AOP, the event’s longstanding education partner, 100% Optical will once again deliver a world-class education program, with the first release ready to view here.

A myriad of topics and opportunities will be available, with key elements including:

Main Stage
Sunday – Elizabeth Lumb will explore what more can we all do to speed up the changes needed within the profession to slow down the progression of myopia.

Monday – Miriam Minihan will discuss the most common vitreoretinal conditions and outline how to recognise them, the degree of referral urgency and how they are managed.

AOP Lounge
A series of peer review sessions will take place across all three days and will also feature content delivered by CooperVision and Johnson & Johnson Vision.

Future Practice Hub
Will feature a range of clinical sessions across all three days in four distinct areas.

Dispensing Workshop
A broad suite of content will be provided to meet the needs of all registrant types including dealing with complaints, myopia management and highlight the role of the dispensing optician.

Optical Academy
This hub will host a packed schedule of activity including a session to showcase the role of independent prescribers, discussed-based content on the use of OCT in contemporary practice and a workshop on scleral contact lenses. 

Dr Ian Beasley, AOP head of education and Optometry Today clinical editor, commented: “As the official education partner, the AOP is delighted to deliver a world-class program of education once again. As the new CPD cycle enters its second year, attendees will have the opportunity to meet the GOC’s requirements at an early stage in the year, consolidate and update their knowledge on key clinical topics and network with clinical and commercial contacts.”

100% Optical brings together nearly 10,000 optical professionals from across the globe. To register for free, go to 100percentoptical.com

Click HERE for the full press release.

Conference and Exhibit Hall Registration is now open for Vision Expo East 2023, taking place March 16-19, 2023 in New York City at the Javits Center.  The show’s organizers, The Vision Council and Reed Exhibitions (RX), are planning a robust Show experience, including a reimagined Show Floor layout, engaging programming and a premier education program.

To register for Vision Expo East 2023, click here.

The Show’s conference program, developed by the Education Planning Committee together with the OptiCon® Advisory Board, will open Thursday, March 16, and the Exhibit Hall will open Friday, March 17.

New this year, Vision Expo East 2023 will debut a reimagined and more unified Show Floor layout.  All of Vision Expo’s Show Floor neighborhoods will be located on Level Three of the Javits Center. The Focus neighborhood, previously located on Level One, will now be located on Level Three, creating a seamless Show Floor that is more reflective of the full scope of the vision care industry and enabling attendees to more easily navigate and explore the latest technology, trends and vision care innovations.

“We are excited to bring the industry together in New York this March,” said Fran Pennella, Vice President, Vision Expo at RX.  “The new, more unified Show Floor is going to create incredible energy and excitement and enhance the experience for exhibitors and attendees alike.”

Additionally, NOW by Vision Expo, the trends showcase that debuted at Vision Expo East 2022, will return at Vision Expo East 2023. Expanding on last year’s showcase, which featured eyewear trends, the 2023 trends showcase will also feature new innovations in fashion lenses and lens technologies that are shaping the direction of the industry, in addition to frames. An application is required to be considered for inclusion in NOW by Vision Expo and final products will be selected by an Advisory Committee of industry leaders. To view the application and instructions, click here.

Vision Expo’s accredited Conference program includes more than 200 sessions, 300 hours and 100 speakers who will be presenting topics ranging from the latest business strategies and optical technology to patient care and cutting-edge innovations.

OptiCon®@Vision Expo will return with an unmatched education program and Exhibit Hall experience for opticians, contact lens professionals, allied ophthalmic professionals, optical assistants and office managers, frame buyers and lab technicians.

For more information on Vision Expo, visit visionexpo.com and follow Vision Expo’s social media channels, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Click HERE for the full press release.