| Eyestylist 17th March 2026

100% Optical 2026: a meeting point for the UK optical community

The UK optical industry event took place from 28th February – 2nd March at ExCel London – highlights included the 100% Studio, sponsored by Nikon Optical UK and featuring a host of independent labels including Linda Farrow, Tavat, ORGREEN Optics and Blackfin – as well as the annual Love Eyewear Awards

According to the show organisers, the event was attended by over 11,000 visitors of which 55% came from independent practices. This year’s figures were similar to those of previous years. Over 5000 brands were showcased in total across eyewear, contact lenses, lenses and technology products, and the education programme was said to be extremely popular and well attended.

The Love Eyewear Awards ceremony took place on the first evening of the event. Independent brands featured in the awards included Talla, with their style Belvedere, in the Men’s Sunglasses category, Clayton Franklin 659 in the Men’s Frame Category and Tohu Bohu by LAFONT in the Children’s Eyewear Category.  The Focal Rooms won the Eyewear Retailer of the Year. Above: the 100% catwalk continues to be a popular feature of the show

| Eyestylist 17th March 2026
RESREI exhibited by The Eyewear Company elegant bevelled acetate designs made in Italy

Independent brands from around Europe were represented across the event, via distributors and stands in the 100% Studio. The independent eyewear showcase included Lafont Paris, RES/REI, Tree Spectacles, Hoffmann Natural Eyewear, GOTTI Switzerland, ORGREEN Optics, MOREL, TAVAT Eyewear and many more. A new high-quality UK brand – Ransome and Jenkin – was launched at the event (www.ransomeandjenkin.com).