Returning to London’s Excel this month (28th February – 2nd March), the organisers of 100% Optical have shared their top recommendations for delegates planning to attend the 12th edition of the UK’s largest optical exhibition.
From the latest industry fashion trends and insightful panels and discussions, to ample networking and CPD point gathering opportunities, here are the top 12 things to see and do at 100% Optical 2026:
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.
Annual Love Eyewear Awards – This year’s winners of the popular awards will be announced on the Catwalk at 5pm on Saturday 28th February. A panel of industry experts, journalists, and eyewear bloggers came together ahead of the ceremony to carefully shortlist the entries across its 13 diverse categories, including New Designer 2026 and Luxury Frame of the Year.
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.
Prue Leith at 100% Optical – 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 day two, 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.
Practise design panel – Join the CEO of Kirk and Kirk, James Kirk, and industry experts on the Catwalk at 4pm on day two 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.
World-class education programme – In collaboration with the show’s long-standing partner, the AOP, insightful and free CPD sessions are on offer through a range of discussion workshops, peer reviews, and interactive Q&A sessions.
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.
Ask the designer Q&A – This interactive workshop at the 100% Studio Bar on day two at 2pm 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.
Optical Women’s Association (OWA) – The OWA will host a dedicated OWA Global panel discussion titled “Owning Your Path—Leadership & Resilience” on the Catwalk at 3:45pm on day one to celebrate leadership, resilience, and the power of women shaping the future of optics, which will include Dame Mary Perkins (Co-founder of Specsavers) and Jayne Abel (Co-Founder and CEO of Eyespace). This energising session will bring together women from across the international optical industry for an hour of networking, connection and inspiration.
100% Optical and 100% Ophthalmology under one roof – 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% increase in 100% Ophthalmology’s key audience in 2025, expect to see a fully dedicated seminar programme with keynote speakers and leading suppliers.
Networking – 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 setting the scene for networking with a difference.
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 floorplan, 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 on 100% Optical and to register, visit, www.100percentoptical.com/ and for 100% Ophthalmology please visit, www.100percentophthalmology.co.uk