100% Optical bolsters CPD offer

Programme “reflects the breadth and depth of our profession”

Eyecare professionals across the country are preparing to book onto a wide range of education sessions at 100% Optical, with priority booking for ABDO members going live at 10am on 26 January. 

With new CPD sessions announced last month, the education programme – delivered by the Association of Optometrists (AOP) as the event’s official UK partner – includes a mix of lectures, peer review sessions and workshops led by experts in optics and eye health.

Dr Ian Beasley, AOP head of education, said: “This year’s exciting programme reflects the breadth and depth of our profession – offering an extensive range of CPD opportunities. From clinical innovation to sustainability, the sessions will give practitioners the tools and knowledge to deliver the best care for patients, while engaging with the future delivery of eyecare.”

Highlights from the latest release of education sessions include:
• ‘Drop the drops’ – a lecture by Sharmina Khan, consultant ophthalmologist (Main Stage)
• ‘Not a lotta people know that: top tips from an old optom’ – a lecture by Dr Scott Mackie, specialty optometrist (Main Stage)
• ‘Managing contrast to slow myopia progression’ – a lecture by Professor James Wolffsohn, head of Aston University School of Optometry (Optical Academy)
• ‘I can see the N5, but…’ – a lecture with discussion workshop by Professor Keziah Latham, optometrist and professor at Anglia Ruskin University (Dispensing Workshop)
• ‘Vision for the future: sustainability in optical practice’ – a peer review by Helen Curran, dispensing optician at Specsavers (Specsavers)
• ‘The yellow brick road to glaucoma higher qualifications’ – a lecture with discussion workshop by Bhavik Parmar, head of CPD at Specsavers (Specsavers)

Consumer trends in focus

The show will also present a three-part 2026 Consumer Trends programme in partnership with Euromonitor International. The series, designed to equip eyewear professionals with insights evolving consumer expectations, behaviours and values, will be presented by Natasha Cazin, global insights manager: eyewear at Euromonitor International, and moderated by dispensing optician, Garry Kousoulou. Set to take place on the show’s Catwalk stage, each session will explore a macro trend set to shape the eyewear sector in 2026.

The three speaker-led sessions are:

28 February at 12:15pm
Top 2026 Consumer Trend Series 1. Comfort zone: empowering eyewear consumers to navigate uncertainty with confidence
Panellists: Daniel Barnes, founder of Pop Specs; Natasha Cazin; Grace Downes, head of marketing, Mondottica

1 March at 12:15pm
Top 2026 Consumer Trend Series 2. Rewired wellness: using science-led storytelling to showcase health outcomes in optics
Panellists: Jason Halsey, product and training manager, Rodenstock; Liz Lumb, director, global professional affairs, CooperVision; and Sarah Morgan, communication specialist and staff development consultant

2 March at 12:15pm
Top 2026 Consumer Trend Series 3. Fiercely unfiltered: translating authenticity into action in optics through products and storytelling
Panellists: Hayley Brunsden, contact lens optician, CBTR See Better Opticians; and Rebecca Thompson, dispensing optician, Eyestyle Studio

Delegates observing Ramadan will have access to prayer rooms, Iftar refreshments and a meal voucher available on request via the registration form.

In order to receive a priority booking link, ABDO members must register for the show prior to 26 January.

Register for 100% Optical to access ABDO member priority booking on 26 January.