The UK’s largest optical event, 100% Optical, has reported significant growth in attendance of industry professionals and buyers at its 2025 show, which took place at London’s Excel Centre from March 1-3.
Organizers confirmed that over 11,000 attendees visited the three-day exhibition, which featured more than 250 exhibitors and 5,000 brands from across the optical industry. The event saw particularly strong increases in key professional categories, with a 9% rise in optometrists and dispensing opticians, a 20% increase in buyers, and a remarkable 66% growth in senior-level ophthalmologists and consultants attending the co-located 100% Ophthalmology event.
This year marked the first edition organized by CloserStill Media, which acquired the event in October 2024. The company has added 100% Optical to its healthcare portfolio, which includes other successful industry events such as the Clinical Pharmacy Congress and Dentistry Show.
“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,” said Celsa Vazquez, Commercial Director at CloserStill Media.
A highlight of the exhibition was the Love Eyewear Awards ceremony, which took place on March 1st. TANAKA eyewear claimed two awards, winning both the New Designer 2025 and Sustainable Frame of the Year categories. Other winners included Vanni Eyewear for Women’s Sunglasses Frame of the Year, Mad In Italy for Men’s Frame of the Year, and Respectacle Co. for Eyewear Retailer of the Year.
The exhibition offered attendees over 100 hours of free CPD (Continuing Professional Development) content, alongside networking events, catwalk shows, and dedicated areas for various sectors of the optical industry. The event also featured the second edition of 100% Ophthalmology, designed specifically for ophthalmologists and their teams.
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. First-time exhibitors Jessica and Katie, co-founders of Chains for Frames, reported: “After being featured in the catwalk we had a load of people visit our stand, which led to some very positive leads with even new stockist and optician opportunities. We’re already booked for next year!”
Despite recent economic challenges affecting some practices, exhibitors reported strong sales. Richard, a Sales Manager at Topcon, noted that “sales have been really strong – as strong as last year so far which was unexpected.”
The next edition of 100% Optical has been confirmed for February 28 to March 2, 2026, returning to the Excel London venue.
