100% Optical’s Top 12 ‘to see and do’

See a range of eyewear and sunwear styles in the daily catwalk shows

100% Optical has shared its Top 12 ‘things to see and do’ at the London show this weekend (28 February to 2 March).

They are, in no particular order:

1. Visit the 100% Studio
Sponsored by Nikon Optical UK, this area of the show is dedicated to championing independent eyewear brands from across the world, including the likes of Linda Farrow, Blackfin, Tavat, Blake Kuwahara, Fleye Copenhagen, and Mykita.

2. Attend the Love Eyewear Awards
This year’s winners will be announced on the Catwalk at 5pm on Saturday 28 February. A panel of industry experts, journalists and eyewear bloggers came together ahead of the ceremony to carefully shortlist the entries across its 13 categories, including New Designer 2026 and Luxury Frame of the Year.

3. Watch live catwalk shows
A “must-see” at 100% Optical every year, visit the Catwalk stage to discover the latest trends in the eyewear industry through choreographed performances live multiple times a day.

Catch up with Dame Prue Leith

4. Catch up with Dame Prue Leith
Broadcaster, author and culinary icon Dame Prue Leith DBE will be launching her latest eyewear collection at the show in collaboration with Modstyle Eyewear. Prue will be joined by Mark Wymond, CEO at Modstyle Eyewear, on the Catwalk at 2pm on Sunday 1 March, to discuss the collaboration and the inspiration for the cake-themed designs. Following the on-stage talk, Prue will visit the Modstyle Eyewear stand to sign copies of her cookery books.

5. Hear from the practice design panel
Join the CEO of Kirk and Kirk, Jason Kirk, and industry experts on the Catwalk at 4pm on Sunday 1 March to explore how strategic practice design can help independent opticians stand out and improve commercial performance. The panel will share real examples, key lessons learned, and practical considerations for assessing and future-proofing your practice through smart design changes.

6. Participate in the “world-class” education programme
In collaboration with the show’s long-standing partner, the Association of Optometrists, insightful and free CPD sessions are on offer through a range of discussion workshops, peer reviews and interactive Q&A sessions.

7. Attend talks in the Studio Bar
New for 2026, this stage will deliver Ted Talk-style sessions, hosted by Nikon Optical UK at the 100% Studio. The sessions will aim to inspire and advise delegates on how to forge a path to success in the independent sector.

8. Join in the ‘Ask the designer’ Q&A
This interactive workshop at the 100% Studio Bar at 2pm on Sunday 1 March will give independent practice owners real-time design advice tailored to their own space. Visitors are encouraged to bring visuals such as photos or layouts to help explain their practice and explore live problem-solving to uncover ideas for improving layout, flow, customer experience and overall performance, from quick fixes to bigger design changes.

Network with new faces and old friends and colleagues

9. Hear from the Optical Women’s Association (OWA)
The OWA will host a global panel discussion titled ‘Owning your path: leadership and resilience’ on the Catwalk at 3:45pm on Saturday 28 February to celebrate leadership, resilience and the power of women shaping the future of optics. The panel will include Dame Mary Perkins (co-founder of Specsavers) and Jayne Abel (co-founder and CEO of Eyespace). This session will bring together women from across the international optical industry for an hour of networking, connection and inspiration.

10. Visit 100% Ophthalmology
Across the three-day exhibition, ophthalmology specialists will come together and work collaboratively with optometrists, dispensing opticians and the wider optical industry. Due to the 66 per cent increase in 100% Ophthalmology’s key audience in 2025, expect to see a fully dedicated seminar programme with keynote speakers and leading suppliers.

11. Get networking
Make the most of the ample opportunities for long-awaited catch-ups and meeting new faces, whether that be around the Central Bar or at the Nikon Optical UK happy hour sessions at 100% Studio with a live DJ.

12. Use the 100% Optical app
Designed for delegates to plan ahead of their show experience, create a roadmap to gain easy access to everything across the three days. The app will feature the show floor plan, seminar agenda, speaker line-up, and exhibitor and product listings, as well as the option to send direct meeting requests with exhibitors.

Sarah Daniels, senior marketing manager at CloserStill Media, organiser of 100% Optical, commented: “As always, we’re so delighted to welcome everyone back to 100% Optical. The show continues to grow and evolve each year, and this edition brings with it exciting new features and opportunities that reflect the energy and innovation across the optical sector.”

For more information and to register, visit www.100percentoptical.com and www.100percentophthalmology.co.uk