100 % Optical: More than 11,000 visitors at this year's optics fair in London
Last weekend, more than 250 exhibitors and over 5,000 brands took part in the UK's largest optical show at London's Excel, 100 % Optical 2026 (February 28 to March 2), which attracted a record number of registrations.
The organizers confirmed that they welcomed more than 11,000 visitors to this year's show, with 55 % of attendees coming from independent practices.
The three-day celebration of all things optical featured an unparalleled line-up of equipment, business technology and eyewear exhibitors, exciting industry news, a celebrity appearance by Prue Leith, a jam-packed educational program with more than 100 hours of free CPD content, Ted Talks-style lectures, lively fashion shows and dedicated areas for manufacturers, independent distributors, retailers and eye care professionals.
Katy McCormack, Event Director of 100 % Optical, commented, „We are celebrating another successful year of bringing the entire community together under one roof to learn, network and showcase the latest developments in the optical industry. It's very satisfying to see how the months of hard work behind the scenes, careful planning and coordination with our fantastic partners, exhibitors and sponsors have paid off.“
Adam Sampson, Chief Executive of the Association of Optometrists, commented: „As always, the show was fantastic. We felt an incredible energy as the whole industry came together. It was great to see so many of our members and the wider industry collaborating, discussing, learning and sharing ideas. While the 100% Optical is always very fun and energetic, it's also clear that business is done and serious topics are discussed. From those starting their careers at just 18 years old to seasoned members in their 70s and 80s, our events were very well attended and everyone was eager to learn and advance their careers.“
Nicholas Capewell, Clinical Sales Specialist at Heidelberg Engineering, said: „It was a fantastic opportunity for us to maintain and build on existing business and relationships as well as meet new people and open up new markets.“
David Green, David Green Eyewear, commented: „This year at 100% Optical I launched a new product which has been incredibly well received. I am impressed with the successful and positive conversations I had throughout the show. I really liked the atmosphere and I think the layout and room layout was better than some of the competitor events.“
Joan Albert Bertran Perelló from Vital Optics commented as follows as a visitor to the show: „I recently attended another international eyewear show and was encouraged to attend 100% Optical in the UK. As I am particularly interested in discovering new trends and collections, I like the layout of this show better as other shows are too big in my opinion.“
Visitor Alice from Concept Eye Clinic added: „It's an absolutely fantastic show, I'm thrilled! It's my first time at 100% Optical and I'm looking for new concepts and frame models.“
All eyes on the 100 % Optical Love Eyewear Awards and the 2026 winners
The popular Love Eyewear Awards ceremony by 100 % Optical took place on the first evening of the show (Saturday, February 28), where the highly anticipated winners in 13 different categories were announced and awarded.
The Love Eyewear Awards are the only awards of their kind in the industry and are designed to shine a spotlight on both independent and major opticians, retailers, manufacturers and designers who are shaping the eyewear industry as we know it.
The following winners were carefully selected by a dedicated jury and announced during the ceremony:
- New designer 2026: Monarkh Eyewear
- Sunglasses of the year for women: Mondottica - CL5126 Color 580 Metallic Green
- Sunglasses of the year for men: Talla - Belvedere
- Eyewear model of the year for women: Style22 - Ingrid
- Eyewear model of the year for men: Clayton Franklin - 659
- Eyewear model of the year unisex: Giu Pachá Ateliê - Cozy
- Children's glasses of the year: Lafont - Tohu Bohu
- Eyewear accessory of the year: Coti Vision
- Sustainable glasses of the year: Modo Distribution Limited - Neos
- Luxury frame of the year: Curoptica - Nova | Al Bronze Sandstorm
- Eyewear retailer of the year: The Focal Rooms
- Most appealing shop window: Davies & Jones Optometrists
- Best use of social media: The Spectacle Factory
Sarah Daniels, Senior Marketing Manager at CloserStill Media, the organizer of 100% Optical, commented: „Every year the Love Eyewear Awards are a highlight of the event and this year was no exception. We received a record number of exceptional entries, which made the judging incredibly exciting. Congratulations to all the winners who demonstrated their fantastic designs, innovation and creativity, and of course to all the entrants who make this industry so exciting!“
Annaliese Dayes, long-time host of the Love Eyewear Awards, commented: „I've been hosting the Love Eyewear Awards at 100 % Optical for eight years now, and it's always a super exciting part of the show, offering insights into the latest trends and bringing them to the forefront of the industry in a unique way!“
The winner of the Women's Frame of the Year award, Style22, commented: „We've been nominated for awards many times before, so it's a great feeling to take home this award. The team in Holland will be delighted with the news! We also noticed that this year's awards had a great selection of diverse, new jury members.“
Delegates were asked to mark the date in their calendars as the dates for the 100 % Optical 2027 at the London Excel from February 27 to March 1 have already been confirmed.
Source: www.100percentoptical.com
