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100% Optical

100% Optical – final planning

Exhibitors have shared plans for activity at the optical trade show

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Media10
This weekend (25–27 February), the ExCeL Centre will see the return of optical trade show 100% Optical.

In the final countdown to the event, find out the latest from exhibitors and speakers.

Word on the wing

Bird Eyewear will host the launch of an ophthalmic range designed exclusively for UK optometry practices on its stand, D48.

The collection has been developed from a mix of bioplastics and recycled materials, in a low carbon production process. This means the frames have an impact of 113 grams of CO2, which the brand suggested equates to less carbon emissions than using a phone for an hour.

Each style is named after a bird, with colours inspired by nature.

Ed Bird, founder of the B-Corp certified eyewear brand, said: “We are excited for this opportunity to grow our eyewear brand optically, but keeping to our vision of creating a certified eco-conscious brand and business.

“Fashion is often said to both reflect and lead culture – we believe the industry has a one-in-history opportunity to demonstrate that creativity and respect for nature can lead to authentic sustainability.”

Tour with VR

Caledonian Optical, stand B310, will offer visitors the chance to take a tour of its new £1.5 million lab, through virtual reality technology.

The facility is expected to open in March and will increase production capacity for the manufacturing arm of Duncan and Todd Group.

Mark Robertson, head of manufacturing at Caledonian Optical, said: “We’re thrilled to be taking our new site ‘with us’ to 100% Optical. Using cutting edge virtual reality technology, delegates can check out the facilities and learn more about the equipment used with the help of a 360o tour of the site, all from ExCeL.”

Robertson will be joined by Frances Rus, managing director of Duncan and Todd Group, and the firm’s new product development manager, Gillian Sibeth.

The company’s digital lens design partner, IOT, will also be on stand.

Contact lens advancements

Johnson & Johnson Vision, stand B220, will present its Acuvue Oasys Max 1-Day and Acuvue Oasys Max 1-Day Multifocal contact lenses, with the opportunity to trial the new lenses and learn about the new technologies incorporated in the new design.

Johnson & Johnson Vision will provide a range of educational lunch and learn sessions at its booth, with topics ranging from the science behind the Acuvue Oasys 1-Day, to tips for success with multifocal contact lenses, and the latest research on contact lens comfort.

The team will also host an interactive poster trail and discussion on stand throughout the conference, and will deliver a number of CPD sessions at the AOP stand (W300).

Jakob Sveen, managing director for Northern Europe and general manager UK and Ireland, said: “We are thrilled to once again be exhibiting at 100% Optical and look forward to engaging with delegates on our latest innovations including the technology behind our recently unveiled Acuvue Oasys Max 1-Day contact lenses.”

Johnson & Johnson Vision has aimed to design its stand to be more sustainable than ever. All marketing materials have been transformed into digital resources, and every time a visitor uses a digital screen to download the material, the number of paper sheets saved will be counted and added to a running total, which will be visualised in a ‘living tree’ installation.

All stand materials are sourced from local and sustainable suppliers, and 95% of the stand will be re-used after the event. Single use items, such as graphic prints or carpet, are all recyclable and the stand will use low energy LED lighting and screens, to reduce electricity consumption.

When too old and worn to use again, items are sent to Event Cycle to be repurposed and reused by charities and community groups.

 

Glaucoma care

In a main stage session on Sunday 26 February, Specsavers’ clinical services director, Giles Edmonds, will set out how economic, social and political challenges impact the optometry sector, and the role for eye care in supporting patients and the NHS to reduce avoidable sight loss, including in glaucoma care.

Edmonds will be joined on stage by Paul Morris, director of professional advancement at Specsavers, and Professor Anthony King, chair of Glaucoma UK, who will discuss the pressures within ophthalmology glaucoma services and how the eye care profession can work together to address the challenges.

King will also highlight the work of the charity. He said: “Healthcare professionals face many challenges in the detection and treatment of glaucoma in the UK. The rising growth in glaucoma incidence due to the ageing population and long-standing lack of capacity, further exacerbated by the COVID-19 backlog, pose problems, alongside other challenges which are putting pressure on services.

“I will be speaking at this conference about these challenges and others in glaucoma care, the response so far and the work that is still needed to improve experiences of glaucoma patients,” he added.

The cataract patient journey

Mr Nigel Kirkpatrick, medical director at Newmedica and a consultant ophthalmologist, will deliver a session on Monday 27 February, on the main stage, titled: Working collaboratively to make the big decisions in cataract surgery.

Kirkpatrick will talk about the patient journey through the modern cataract pathway, expanding on how patient choice is brought to the forefront, particularly for intraocular lens choice.

Delegates will be able to speak to Newmedica consultants and ask any questions on the Newmedica stand, L320.

Optoversity

Out of the Box Optics will host the final of the Optoversity Challenge on Sunday 26 February.

In aid of Vision Care for Homeless People, the inter-university challenge has brought together 12 universities and more than 50 students.

In earlier Optoversity Challenge heats, held online, the University of the West of England achieved the highest score, and as a team raised the most for charity, while the top student fundraiser is from Aston University.


Insight into research

Specialist eye hospital group, Optegra, will be on stand B200, discussing the company’s growth, new NHS cataract clinics, and support for the optometry community. The group will also provide information on the range of treatments provided, and offer insight into Optegra Eye Science, a not-for-profit research division.

The stand will host an interactive buzz wire game which delegates can participate in while wearing cataract-replicating glasses, to demonstrate the challenges that cataract patients face daily.

Charity appeal

Organisers of 100% Optical have announced plans for a charity appeal, with donations going to the Islamic Relief/DEC: Türkiye-Syria Earthquake appeal.

Delegates who use the Showtime Photo Booth, sponsored by Hakim Group and Loving Social Media, will be asked to make a donation. 

Have some news to share at the show? Get in touch with the Optometry Today team.