A new generation of eye care professionals have the ‘fire in their bellies’ needed to make a long-lasting difference to the lives of contact lens patients – according to the president of the BCLA.

Speaking at the first ever BCLAUK conference and exhibition held at The Belfry on June 12 and 13, Brian Tompkins said: “From cradle to grave there is the capacity of a lens for everyone. 

“We’ve seen a bunch of new young practitioners here this weekend with fire in their bellies to start doing some new thinking, looking outside what they are used to. They have an appetite to make a difference.

“We need to ensure we do all we can to make patients comfortable in their lenses and enjoy wearing them. The lenses have to fit into their lives, not around them.”

Almost 200 people attended the two-day event, with newly qualified optometrists picking the brains of experienced professionals to boost their confidence with contact lenses and help to maximise the potential of both themselves and their business.

A series of hands-on workshops and lecture streams was put together by BCLA Education Adviser Neil Retallic, giving an insight into the latest research and technology available to help improve comfort and minimise drop-out rates.

Keith Tempany, president elect of the BCLA, said: “There was a really good feel about the place and personally I had a fantastic weekend. People were delighted with the quality of the conversations they had.

“You never stop learning and I was able to attend a lecture from Lyndon Jones on compliance which gave me the chance to take loads of notes which I will be taking back into practice.”