Key takeaways from 100% Optical 2025

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From March 1st to 3rd, 2025, the UK’s largest optical event, 100% Optical, took place at ExCeL London, attracting 11,725 visitors and 250 exhibitors worldwide. Veritek’s Optometry Team—comprising Sales and Marketing Director Adrian Clark, Optometry Account Manager Selin Dogan Dogan, and Area Manager and Optometry Equipment Specialist Andy Frost —attended the event to engage with both new and existing Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), gaining valuable insights into the latest industry advancements.

Key Exhibitor Insights

OPTOS – Sharon Ormonde, Sales Director Northern Europe

Optos, an annual exhibitor, highlighted the significance of 100% Optical as a prime platform to connect with customers and showcase its ultra-widefield imaging technology. Founded by Douglas Anderson, whose personal experience with his son’s undetected retinal detachment fueled a mission to revolutionise retinal imaging, Optos remains the only company offering single-capture, 200-degree retina imaging without pupil dilation.

At this year’s event, Optos showcased its entire portfolio, including Daytona, California, MonacoPro, and Silverstone. The MonacoPro enhancements combine ultra-widefield imaging with spectral domain OCT, vastly enhancing retinal topography and optic nerve head scans, ensuring opticians detect pathology earlier.

Optos caters to independent opticians, private ophthalmology, and the NHS, with its technology also being widely adopted in high-street practices, including installing 120 devices in Boots Opticians.

Sharon emphasised growing patient awareness of eye health and the role of technology in early detection, intervention, and improved patient outcomes. Sharon was delighted with the strong event footfall and disclosed that Optos secured several deals directly from the event.

Zeiss – Claire Martin, Head of Strategy and Marketing, Ophthalmic Diagnostics

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Claire Martin enjoys seeing familiar faces at 100% Optical. She remarked on an increased presence of ophthalmologists compared to previous years. Zeiss’ showcase highlighted PathFinder, an OCT system with AI embedded in the device, enabling a more efficient and accurate review of OCT data. Pathfinder colour-code scans flag potential pathology with 90% specificity and sensitivity, allowing opticians to quickly and confidently assess eye health without missing crucial details.

Claire explained that AI-driven diagnostic tools are at the forefront of the industry, helping to manage hospital backlogs and enabling optometrists to take on more patient care responsibilities. Zeiss anticipates further advancements in AI-driven diagnostics, improving efficiency and diagnostic accuracy.

Heidelberg Engineering – Spokesperson

Heidelberg Engineering, focusing primarily on ophthalmology, found 100% Optical productive for engaging optometrists and ophthalmologists.

The company’s primary offering remains high-quality OCT technology, recognised for high-resolution imaging. Stand visitors paid much interest to the company’s ‘AppWay’ platform, enabling seamless connectivity between OCT scans and third-party AI analysis, delivering additional insights into diagnostic images and reports directly into patient records within minutes.

Heidelberg Engineering’s strength is its high resolution and high-volume scans. The company emphasises quality imaging as the foundation of confident diagnosis and accurate clinical assessments.

Topcon Healthcare – Danielle Lee, Clinical Affairs Manager UK & Ireland

One of the highlights of the Topcon stand was its AMD (Age-related Macular Degeneration) masks for the Eye-Light System, a low-level light therapy for early to intermediate AMD patients.

Clinical studies indicate benefits such as reduced drusen volume and improved best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). The system also provides dry eye treatment, addressing meibomian gland dysfunction and tear film quality exacerbated by pollution, screen time, and hormonal changes.

Danielle highlighted the relevance of this technology in both optical practices and ophthalmological settings, particularly for cataract patients preparing for surgery. With limited existing treatments for dry AMD, Topcon anticipates significant adoption within the optical sector.

The company enjoyed strong engagement at its stand, with the addition of a coffee area proving a popular networking hub.

To sum up

100% Optical 2025 once again delivered a platform for industry leaders to showcase cutting-edge advancements in optometry and ophthalmology.

Innovation remains at the forefront of the sector, from AI-powered diagnostics and ultra-widefield imaging to novel treatments for AMD and dry eye.

“Veritek’s Optometry Team had an insightful experience, connecting with OEMs and gaining firsthand knowledge of the latest technological trends,” said Adrian Clark. “The event underscored the growing role of AI, the increasing patient awareness of eye health, and the necessity for opticians to invest in state-of-the-art equipment to enhance diagnostic accuracy, improve patient care, and streamline practice efficiency.”

With another successful year concluded, 100% Optical remains an essential event for networking, learning, and shaping the future of eye care.

Thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter. See you next time!