DOs flock to 100% Optical

More than 9,000 visitors attended 100% Optical 2020

Figures from show organisers Media 10 have revealed that just over 2,000 dispensing opticians (DOs) attended 100% Optical last weekend – helping to make up a total of 9,570 visitors across the three-day event from 25-27 January at the ExCeL in London.

All nine ophthalmic dispensing sessions laid on by the ABDO CET Department were fully booked – attracting both DOs and optometrists. ABDO head of CET, Alex Webster, told DO Online: “It was great to see the enthusiastic table discussions between delegates coming from different professional perspectives.”

For the first time at 100% Optical, ABDO also delivered a CET session highlighting to the industry the contact lens education provided by the Association. Alex said: “It was encouraging to see both contact lens fitters and dispensing opticians attending the workshop. The patient’s journey through our practices means they interact with members across different professional roles, so it is important we all have an understanding of how to safely and satisfactorily attend to their individual needs.”

Launched on the Saturday of the show were the new ABDO Level 5 courses in Management and Leadership. Available exclusively to ABDO members as either a diploma or as a choice of three certificates, the courses will be assessed and accredited by the Chartered Management Institute.

ABDO vice president, Jo Holmes, meets with members on the stand

ABDO sector skills development officer, Nick Walsh, said: “It was highly encouraging to have a steady flow of enquiries at the show about the new management and leadership courses. We saw DOs and managers who wish to do the courses themselves, as they desire the fullness of learning and information tools that the course will provide. It was great to see so many people passionate about their personal development in this area.

“Also a big positive was the number of employers enquiring about the courses, as they see the value and return in developing their team and managers,” Nick added. “It was a really great three days with many quality discussions with members and colleagues in the professions and industry.”

Find out more about the courses here.

ABDO president, Clive Marchant, and vice president, Jo Holmes, were both present at the show. Clive remarked: “It was a great pleasure to meet so many members at 100% Optical. For those who were unable to attend, you missed an interesting exhibition and a huge variety of CET – much of which was delivered by the ABDO team. The CET was very forward-thinking, and certainly gave me fresh ideas about how our way of practice must change if we are to succeed in the future.”

The ABDO College stand was as busy as ever, with enquiries about courses, books and equipment, while the ABDO Membership team were on hand to respond to queries from members and non-members alike.

Browsing books on the ABDO College stand

Commenting after the show, Nathan Garnett, event director at Media 10, said: “There was a continuous buzz of activity in every sector area across all three days and the show looked and felt like it has cemented its position in the international calendar. It’s rewarding to see the industry unite and have fun, whilst gaining the tools and knowledge to further their career and business.

“Visitor numbers have increased and suppliers have backed us again for 2021 with the biggest ever on-site rebook,” Nathan continued. “Next year’s dates are already confirmed – 23-25 January – and we are listening to feedback and starting to plan.”

Read a round-up of 100% Optical 2020 by Media 10 here, including the results of the inaugural Love Eyewear Awards.

The 2020 Association of Optometrists Awards, which saw Sarah Grant of Clearview Opticians named as Dispensing Optician of the Year, took place on the Sunday evening. Find out who else won here.