Record high for education at the BCLA

The British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) hosted its annual Clinical Conference and Exhibition last month, the last before it moves to a biennial format in 2017. 

A record number of CET points were available at the event, the association has confirmed, with a total of 69 CET points available to delegates throughout the three-day conference, and a further seven COPE-accredited sessions for North American attendees. 

Hosted under the theme Come Together, the annual event was hosted at the ACC in Liverpool on 29–31 May.

Commenting on the conference, clinical conference consultant, Professor James Wolffsohn, said: “The buzz at the conference was fantastic; around 1,000 people from across the globe hearing and debating the latest research and its implications for clinical practice today, and for the future, on topics such as myopia control, the correction of presbyopia, minimising complications, fitting complex corneas and managing dry eyes.”

The BCLA introduced a day dedicated to myopia management this year, which saw a live ortho-k fitting performed by practitioner Shelly Bansal. In addition, the conference programme included a wide selection of specialist symposia, educational courses, a dedicated business track, rapid-fire sessions and sponsor showcases. 

Delegate, optometrist Drew Thompson commented: “The programme was, as always, at the forefront of contact lens practice and optometry. I took away lots of ideas on how to improve my clinical practice and maximise its business potential in several areas, not just contact lenses.”

Speaking about the event, CEO of the BCLA, Cheryl Donnelly, said: “This year’s conference marked the start of a new era for the BCLA, showcasing what its members, partners and exhibitors can expect going forward.

“The new format, including the bite sized sessions integrating research and clinical practice papers, which ran throughout the conference, and the specialist symposium on myopia management, was very well received.

“We look forward to building on this year’s conference with more member focused activities during the remainder of 2015 and throughout 2016, culminating in the clinical conference in 2017.”

The 40^th BCLA Clinical Conference and Exhibition will take place in 2017.