New and returning

For Birmingham Optical the decision to exhibit at 100% Optical came as a result of its expanding portfolio of new products. Talking to OT, head of marketing at Birmingham Optical, Zoe Smith, said: “We have a host of really new and exciting technology that we can’t wait to show off.”

“We always welcome the opportunity to meet and chat with as many optometrists as possible, are always keen to hear about the current opportunities and challenges, and to demonstrate how our portfolio and expertise can support any business,” she added.

During the three day show, which returns to London’s ExCeL Exhibition Centre on 6–8 February, the equipment distributor will showcase a number of new products which were launched in January. This includes the Nidek LE-1200 Edger and the Nidek Tonoref III – an autorefractor, keratometer, tonometer and pachymeter in one compact instrument.

Also launched this year and on the stand for practitioners to try will be the Nidek Versacam handheld fundus camera, which, due to its size, is said to be ideal for any small practice that does not have room for a table mounted fundus camera, but wants to offer retinal screening.

International opportunity

Another exhibitor at the show for the first time is Specsavers, who will provide visitors with information on its latest employment opportunities around the world. Head of professional recruitment at the multiple, Victoria Taylor, told OT: “With Specsavers offering fantastic careers worldwide, 100% Optical is an exciting opportunity for us to meet more people who are interested in working at Specsavers – both in stores and in partnership locally and across the globe.”

New to the eyewear hall will be Spanish eyewear company Optim, who has opted to exhibit its latest frames at 100% Optical as a result of its commitment to increasing brand awareness around the world. “100% Optical is growing so fast that we couldn’t miss it,” export area manager at Optim, Rosa Gasch Garruta, told OT. She added: “We believe it is a great opportunity to meet opticians, learn about their needs and do our best in order to meet them. A face-to-face conversation is always more pleasant than an email.”

During the show, Optim will unveil its newest frames in three of its collections, Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, Adolfo Dominguez and Victorio Lucchino, which have all been designed with the latest shape and colour trends in mind.

Diabetic and dry eye screening

Based in the equipment and machinery hall will be UK ophthalmic diagnostic solutions supplier, Sense Medical.

New to 100% Optical, Sense Medical will utilise the show as a platform to launch three new products, including a digital fundus camera for diabetic eye screening.

Released onto the market on 4 January, the Kowa Nonmyd 8 and 8s fundus cameras are built to capture highly detailed pathology of the retina in three easy steps. Features of the fundus camera include nine internal fixation points, fundus autofluorescence (FAF) with low flash intensity and a full manual focus.

Alongside the Kowa Nonmyd 8 and 8s, practitioners visiting the show will have the opportunity to try the Kowa DR-1a, a tool which can be used for diagnosing dry eye. Commenting on the new product, Sense Medical sales and marketing manager, Abdul Jahangir, said: “Dry eye is a major cause for concern and with the Kowa DR-1a, practitioners can now offer their patients a complete diagnosis.”

Speaking to OT about launching the trio of products at 100% Optical, Mr Jahangir added: “We see 100% Optical as a platform to demonstrate our technologically advanced products to the optometric community.”

Back for more

Following a successful 2015 at the show, Scope Ophthalmics will return to 100% Optical this year with new products on stand, including the Hycosan Fresh and Omega Eye Liquid, for visitors to experience.

The company will also host a range of expert workshops throughout the event, which have been integrated into 100% Optical’s comprehensive education programme, designed by the AOP.

Running a workshop on the Saturday of the show (4–5pm, Equipment Hub) will be optometrist Ian Cameron, who will explore New Management Options for MGD. Continuing the workshops on the Sunday (12–1pm, Contact Lenses hub) will be optometrist Nick Dash on Setting up an effective DED clinic.

Also during the show, Scope Ophthalmics will launch its new Patient Pathway, a consultation that will take people through the process of using advanced diagnostic technology, discuss their level of dry eye and formulate a plan specifically tailored to help.

The pathway has been launched following research performed by the company in 2015 which found that up to two-thirds of the UK population could be suffering with dry eye disease without realising it. As a result, through the Patient Pathway, visitors to 100% Optical will be offered a one to one, tailored consultation with experts during the show.

For more information and to register for 100% Optical, visit the 100% Optical website.