Embracing change

Attendees at BCLA Asia heard that a ‘seismic shift’ in the way practices do business should be embraced rather than feared.

The British Contact Lens Association’s (BCLA) inaugural two-day conference in Singapore (18–19 September) examined how business owners can adapt to overcome the commercial challenges presented by this rapidly changing industry.

Over 500 delegates took part in workshops and attended presentations from experts, including Professor Pauline Cho, Professor Jennifer Craig and Dr Kate Gifford.

Speaking about the event, chief executive of the BCLA, Cheryl Donnelly, said: “Technology is advancing fast, both in terms of instrumentation, techniques and products available for eye care professionals to enhance the life of our patients within eye care. It is and will represent a seismic shift in day-to-day professional life.”

“BCLA Asia was a platform to provide the tools for practitioners to embrace this change to deliver the best eye care for patients in times of commercial challenge and best position themselves for future success,” she added.

Sessions were held on myopia management, dry eye and presbyopia, alongside networking opportunities and an exhibition.

The event was held in partnership with the Singapore Optometric Association (SOA) at the Singapore Polytechnic Convention Centre.

President of the SOA, Dr Lian Hwee KOH, said: “This conference formed part of our continuing efforts to bring forefront optometric education not just to Singapore but also to the wider Asian community.”