Sightsavers to showcase eye health work using virtual reality at UK’s largest optical event

February 2025

Sightsavers is exhibiting at the 100% Optical conference where visitors to the stand can gain an insight into inclusive eye health in Africa through immersive video.

Taking place at the ExCel conference centre in east London from 1-3 March 2025, 100% Optical is the UK’s largest event aimed at ophthalmologists, optometrists, opticians, distributors and wholesalers.

Attendees can visit Sightsavers at booth C10 to learn about our work to prevent avoidable blindness and how they can get involved as an eye health partner.

Visitors can use Sightsavers’ virtual reality headsets to view footage filmed in Senegal, where our inclusive education programmes aim to ensure equal access to schooling for children with disabilities. The 360-degree video follows a day in the life of 16-year-old Ndiambé, who was born with a visual impairment and was once afraid his disability would stop him from going to school.

Eye health professionals visiting the booth will also be invited to try on protective eyewear, from welding masks to crazy sunglasses. Although the eyewear won’t be available to buy, the unique ‘price tags’ attached will demonstrate how far a donation can go. For example, it costs just £4 to provide someone with spectacles.

Sightsavers’ stand was designed by our creative partner Barker Langham and created by Reeves and Bond, with support from Leach.

The free conference hosts more than 250 exhibitors and attracts around 11,500 UK and international visitors. It will run from 10am-6pm on 1-2 March and 10am-5pm on 3 March. You can register to attend on the 100% Optical website.

Three eye health staff wearing surgical scrubs and hats outside a clinic in Uganda.

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Sightsavers staff wear yellow boiler suits and protective eyewear as they pose for a picture in front of the Sightsavers stand.
Sightsavers’ staff modelling protective eyewear at the 100% Optical event in 2024.

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