“Bringing together the leading lights in contact lenses and anterior eye”

The British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) hosted its clinical conference and exhibition in Manchester last weekend, the first time it has hosted the annual event in-person for four years.

Held at Manchester Central from 9–11 June, the three-day event welcomed more than 700 delegates, with education delivered by a range of UK and international academics, covering the latest clinical insights and demonstrating the latest technology available to practitioners.

BCLA chief executive, Luke Stevens-Burt, said: “Bringing together the leading lights in contact lenses and anterior eye for the first BCLA clinical conference in four years has been a huge honour”

“The world has been through so much since everyone was last together here in Manchester, but our members have shown incredible strength and resilience to not just withstand everything thrown at them but to thrive under that pressure,” he added.

During the conference, the 2023 BCLA Medal address was presented by Professor Eric Papas, who shared insight into his career path from his early days in practice to his key role in developing silicone hydrogel lenses.

The Irving Fatt Memorial Lecture was given by Dr Sonia Trave-Huarte. She explored dry eye management and treatment studies, as well as how they can support evidence-based dry eye practice.

On the second day of the conference, the BCLA held its AGM, during which outgoing president Neil Retallic handed over to Rakesh Kapoor.

The Association welcomed 33 new fellows during the conference, bringing the number globally to more than 250.