Record numbers at 100% Optical

Discovering the latest eyewear collections

CloserStill Media has reported record-breaking attendance at 100% Optical 2026 – held at London’s Excel from 28 February to 2 March.

More than 11,000 visitors were scanned into the hall, which hosted some 250 exhibitors across both 100% Optical and 100% Ophthalmology.

According to CloserStill, more than 50 per cent of attendees came from independent practices.

The three-day show saw a large line-up of exhibitors across equipment, business, technology and eyewear, with a host of product launches, a celebrity appearance from Prue Leith, more than 100 hours of CPD content, Ted Talk-style sessions, lively catwalk shows, and dedicated areas for manufacturers, independents, retailers and ophthalmologists.

Katy McCormack, 100% Optical event director, said it was “so rewarding to see the months of hard work behind the scenes, careful planning and coordination with our fantastic partners, exhibitors and sponsors come together”.

Dr Ian Beasley, head of education at show partner the Association of Optometrists, said: “This year’s programme reflected the ongoing evolution of our profession and our commitment to providing education that is both relevant and immediately applicable in practice.

“Each session was developed to support clinical decision making and improve the quality of patient care. It was encouraging to see how highly practitioners valued the opportunity to gain practical insights that advance their professional development.

“We are pleased that the programme enabled colleagues across the sector to deepen their expertise and further elevate the standard of care they deliver.”

100% Optical 2027 will take place at London’s Excel from 27 February to 1 March.

Read more coverage of 100% Optical in the upcoming April issue of Dispensing Optics – including the ABDO CPD workshop sessions.