Top of the class

UK optometrist, Andrew J Elder Smith (pictured), has come joint top of the class with French educator, Martina Barthe, when taking the fellowship exam for the International Association of Contact Lens Educators (IACLE).

In passing the examination, Mr Elder Smith becomes one of only 328 IACLE fellows worldwide.

A total of 154  professionals globally took the fellowship exam in December last year, with pass rate confirmed at 55%.

Mr Elder Smith currently teaches clinical skills to optometry undergraduates at the University of Bradford and the University Manchester. He also works in private practice and hospital contact lens clinics.

Speaking about the examination, the optometrist told OT: “IACLE is dedicated to raising the standards of contact lens education globally and taking the fellowship examination was a way for me to benchmark my knowledge and ensure that my students are getting the best possible information.

“The examination was exceedingly wide ranging and took me outside my comfort zone. I was relieved to have passed and extremely pleased to get top marks. I would highly encourage others to take the plunge as there is plenty of time to prepare for the next exam.”

The next fellowship exam takes place in November 2019.