Organizers of the UK’s largest optical exhibition, 100% Optical (1-3 March, London’s ExCel), have announced the line-up of industry leaders that have formed this year’s judging panel that will crown the winners of the 2025 Love Eyewear Awards.
As entries are still pouring in the Love Eyewear Awards, which aims to champion and promote eyewear and all things optics from independent and major designers, manufacturers, and retailers, 100% Optical has decided to extend the entry deadline for the popular awards to midnight Sunday 26th January 2025.
The popular awards will cover a diverse range of categories in 2025, including New Designer 2025, Sustainable Frame of the Year, Eyewear Retailer of the Year, and Eyewear Accessory of the Year, as well as Best Use of Social Media entering as a new category for 2025.
There will be a judging process from the carefully selected esteemed panel including journalists and influencers, and for the first time ever, experienced opticians, including the likes of (yours truly) Daniel Feldman, Executive Editor at The Optical Journal, Nicos Antoniades, Optician at The Optical Gallery, Clodagh Norton, Co-Founder of The Eyewear Stylist, and more.
Afer the shortlisted nominees are announced, the winners of the Love Eyewear Awards will be crowned at 100% Optical 2025 on the first day of the show (1st March) during an evening of celebration and entertainment.
Selin Pera, Senior Marketing Executive, at CloserStill Media, commented: “The Love Eyewear Awards have become a highlight of the show, and we can’t wait to see what new creative and innovative designs are showcased this year. We are particularly delighted to celebrate the industry in a fresh way by welcoming a past Love Eyewear Award-winning optician to the judging panel. Including a valued optician in the judging panel is important to us as they are the ones who play a pivotal role in selecting and introducing these designs into their practices.”
Daniel Feldman and Maarten Weidema hamming it up in judges wigs at 2024 100% Optical Love Eyewear AwardsThis year’s judges added:
Nicos Antoniades, Optician at independent, family-run, The Optical Gallery, said, “Having been immersed in the world of optics for over two decades and a regular attendee at trade shows including 100% Optical, being invited to judge the Love Eyewear Awards is an absolute honor.
Having once been a newcomer myself, and as someone who fully embraces the possibilities of AI technology, I’m particularly excited about the ‘New Designer 2025’ and the ‘Best Innovation’ categories.”
Maarten Weidema, Editor-in-Chief at The Eyewear Forum, commented, “I am truly honored to once again serve as a judge for the Love Eyewear Awards. Seeing all of the fresh and innovative designs takes me back to my own days of designing eyewear—a journey that spanned 25 years and 65 brands. I am particularly excited about the ‘New Designer of the Year’ category; these new designers not only push boundaries but also inspire and challenge us ‘oldies’ to stay sharp and innovative.”
Daniel Scott, a nominated finalist for International Optician of the Year 2024 by the International Opticians Association, and commonly featured in the Daily Mail and Telegraph, said, “I’m excited to once again be able to support 100% Optical in judging the Love Eyewear Awards. The innovation in eyewear year on year continues to astound me, and I’m excited to experience first-hand what new developments we will see in 2025!”
Clodagh Norton, Co-Founder of The Eyewear Stylist, said, “100% Optical’s Love Eyewear Awards is just one of the London show’s many highlights, and I’m excited to be an official 2025 judge!”
To find out more about the 2025 Love Eyewear Awards, visit, https://www.100percentoptical.com/whats-on/love-eyewear-awards
About 100% Optical
Since launching in 2014, 100% Optical has quickly established itself as the largest and ONLY optical event in the UK, attracting 11,725 UK and international visitors with more than 250 exhibitors. The 2024 show proved that 100% Optical has become Europe’s fastest-growing exhibition catering to the global optical community. Join The Optical Journal for the 2025 edition of 100% Optical, March 1-3 at Excel London.
