Awards, Education and Independents – 100% Optical Announces Exciting Program for 2023
Friday, December 16 2022 | 09 h 34 min | News
The organizers of 100% Optical have once again pledged to champion independent eyewear designers and manufacturers, with its biggest line-up ever when the three-day show returns in 2023, from 25-27 February at ExCeL London, UK.
Focus on Independents
A record number of its exhibitors will be independent frame designers, featuring independent brands including VAVA Eyewear, Vysen Eyewear, Salt, Nine Eyewear, Studio Optx and Bevel, and FFIN, who will be showcasing their latest innovations and designs which hero sustainability and environmentally friendly materials at the 2023 show.
Furthermore, there will be an exciting new feature which further champions independent eyewear and sustainability.
Situated in the Eyewear section of 100% Optical, Makers Corner will be an area that highlights creative makers and designers in the optical industry.
Nathan Garnett, 100% Optical show director, commented: “100% Optical was born out of a desire for independent frame designers and manufacturers to have a London based international show which is why independents have always been a highlight and key focus and this year is no exception. We’re taking it a step further in 2023 with a newly added Makers Corner featuring interactive sessions which shine a spotlight on unique crafters creating innovative optical designs that hero sustainability. Keep your eyes peeled for updates on this exciting new feature at 100% Optical in the coming weeks.”
100% Optical has also revealed the judging panel for the Love Eyewear Awards, which are dedicated to celebrating the exciting world of eyewear, showcasing and promoting all things optics amongst independent and major designers, manufacturers and retailers.
Nathan Garnett added: “It’s not only been the number of entries that have blown us away this year, but the quality – and from some of the biggest names in the industry. The Love Eyewear Awards are growing year on year and since premiering in 2020 they’ve quickly become a calendar staple in the optical world.”
The shortlist will be announced on January 16, 2023, followed by the official awards ceremony which will be held at 100% Optical on February 25th 2023.
This year, there are a total of 12 diverse categories, including New Designer 2023, Sustainable Frame of the Year and Kids Frame of the Year.
Organizers have also announced the launch of 100% Optical’s wide-ranging 2023 education program, alongside a new process for delegates to book their places at the hugely popular CPD sessions during the show.
Details of the first phase of the program are being released today (October 24th), with further releases of sessions in November and December. Bookings will open in early January, with priority access given to delegates registered in advance.
In collaboration with the AOP, the event’s longstanding education partner, 100% Optical will once again deliver a world-class education program, with the first release ready to view here.
A myriad of topics and opportunities will be available, with key elements including:
Main Stage
Sunday – Elizabeth Lumb will explore what more can we all do to speed up the changes needed within the profession to slow down the progression of myopia.
Monday – Miriam Minihan will discuss the most common vitreoretinal conditions and outline how to recognise them, the degree of referral urgency and how they are managed.
AOP Lounge
A series of peer review sessions will take place across all three days and will also feature content delivered by CooperVision and Johnson & Johnson Vision.
Future Practice Hub
Will feature a range of clinical sessions across all three days in four distinct areas.
Dispensing Workshop
A broad suite of content will be provided to meet the needs of all registrant types including dealing with complaints, myopia management and highlight the role of the dispensing optician.
Optical Academy
This hub will host a packed schedule of activity including a session to showcase the role of independent prescribers, discussed-based content on the use of OCT in contemporary practice and a workshop on scleral contact lenses.
Dr Ian Beasley, AOP head of education and Optometry Today clinical editor, commented: “As the official education partner, the AOP is delighted to deliver a world-class program of education once again. As the new CPD cycle enters its second year, attendees will have the opportunity to meet the GOC’s requirements at an early stage in the year, consolidate and update their knowledge on key clinical topics and network with clinical and commercial contacts.”
100% Optical brings together nearly 10,000 optical professionals from across the globe. To register for free, go to 100percentoptical.com
