AOP education a hit at 100% Optical as largest sector event returns 

AOP education a hit at 100% Optical as largest sector event returns 

The AOP delivered hundreds of hours in CPD with almost 120 accredited sessions available to delegates from 1-3 March

Returning to the ExCeL London, 100% Optical saw an impressive turnout with 11,000 attendees, and significant engagement with education sessions curated by the Association of Optometrists (AOP).

As official partner, the AOP facilitated an extensive CPD programme comprising lectures, workshops, and peer review sessions, fostering professional growth and networking opportunities for the whole practice team.

The education programme included the latest research and developments in myopia management, the growing prevalence of glaucoma and the role of AI in eye care. The AOP Lounge hosted education sessions for members and delegates, in partnership with CooperVision, the Vision team at Johnson & Johnson, and Optos.

Dr Ian Beasley, AOP Head of Education, said: “This year’s show was a great success, with positive feedback from attendees, highlighting the exceptional value that our educational offering continues to provide. It’s heartening to hear from delegates how much they have gained from our expert speakers and, as result, are making a strong start as the new CPD cycle begins.

“Many of the delegates we’ve spoken to have expressed their eagerness to engage with cutting-edge topics and gain practical insights that they can apply in their daily practice. It’s a huge privilege to oversee an education programme that can deliver for the profession, and support the growing co-located show, 100% Ophthalmology.”

Adam Sampson, AOP Chief Executive, said: “This event has truly brought the profession together. Time and again, I’ve heard how much attendees appreciate the opportunity to connect with peers and learn from the best. We’re proud to be supporting our members in this way, providing them with the resources and opportunities they need to flourish in their careers. Looking ahead, we are committed to continuing this legacy of excellence and ensuring that 100% Optical remains the premier event for the optical profession.”

Wendy Steele, AOP Commercial Director, added: “We’re pleased to see the huge success of this year’s show which signals the strength of our new partnership with CloserStill Media in providing an excellent experience for our members, partners, visitors, and exhibitors. We extend our thanks to our sponsors and partners whose support and contributions have been instrumental in creating an event that exceeds expectations year after year. Together, we are driving the optical profession forward and paving the way for new innovation and growth.”

Celsa Vazquez, 100% Optical Commercial Director at CloserStill Media, said: “We’d like to extend a special thank you to our valued exhibitors, sponsors, associations, partners and all the visitors who made 100% Optical the must-attend event for the industry again. This exhibition is a true celebration of innovation, expertise, and collaboration and this year was no different. We showcased a new layout and reimagined floor plan, encouraged the industry to clock hundreds of hours in CPD and witnessed so many exciting launches including Eyewear by David Beckham and a collection of glasses and sunglasses featuring the beloved Paddington bear.

“We had the pleasure of witnessing the second edition of 100% Ophthalmology, our esteemed co-located event designed for ophthalmologists and their multidisciplinary teams. This exceptional three-day educational programme offered a dynamic platform for ophthalmologists to expand their knowledge, engage in meaningful networking, and collaborate with optometrists, fostering a spirit of professional growth.”

The success of 100% Optical was celebrated at an evening reception on 2 March, bringing together representatives from the AOP and CloserStill Media, sponsors, and industry peers at an event that marked the show’s achievements.