100% Optical 2022 moves to April

100% Optical has been postponed until April 2022 in light of the rising numbers of COVID-19 cases, escalated by the Omicron variant, and uncertainty over potential restrictions in early 2022.

Media 10, organisers of the optical trade event, announced that the show – which was due to be held between 22–24 January – is now set to take place 23–25 April 2022 at the ExCeL London.

Visitor registration, exhibitor stands and sponsorship will be transferred automatically to the new dates.

Announcing the “difficult decision,” the show organisers shared that event partners, optical bodies, exhibitors and stakeholders have supported the move, stating in an update: “We would not wish to put anyone at risk and neither would they.”

As the official event partner and education provider for 100% Optical, the AOP has been in dialogue with the show organisers on the plans.

AOP chief executive, Adam Sampson, expressed “full support” for the decision to delay the event, applauding the “speed at which the team has found a new date in April.”

He continued: “As the show’s official partner, we look forward to being part of an event that brings the profession together again – but only at a time when it is safe for everyone to do so.”

The AOP has planned a schedule of educational content for the show including continuing professional development (CPD) designed with the General Optical Council’s new scheme in mind.

Dr Ian Beasley, AOP head of education and OT clinical editor, suggested that postponing the event would likely be acknowledged as “the right decision against the backdrop of such uncertainty.”

He added: “The AOP will now look forward to delivering our comprehensive programme of CPD in April.”

The 100% Optical team shared that it would endeavour to honour CPD and education bookings, though noted that speaker availability will need to be reconfirmed for the new dates.

The organisers said that they will discuss how to utilise the extra time to plan for the rescheduled event, commenting: “100% Optical 2022 will still be the best one yet, and one we will all have waited over two years for.”

In the meantime, the organisers advised event delegates to contact hotel or travel providers to cancel or move bookings in line with the new show dates.

Thanking delegates and exhibitors for their “continued support,” the 100% Optical organisers said: “We know the industry cannot wait to be reunited, as we saw record registrations for this event in the last two weeks. We will use the time to make the event even better.”

100% Optical will now take place 23–25 April at ExCeL London.

The COVID-19 safety measures introduced for 100% Optical – which included providing proof of double vaccination, or a negative lateral flow test, and mask wearing whilst in the venue – are anticipated to remain in place for the rescheduled event.