Fitting Skills Day: Blog by Danielle Edwards

The BCLA’s annual Fitting Skills Day was held at Aston University, giving students and newly-qualified eye care professionals the chance to brush up on their skills in a workplace setting.

Danielle Edwards (pictured) wrote this exclusive blog, sharing her experience of the event with BCLA members. 

“I graduated in July with a BSc (Hons) in Optometry and am now working as a Pre-Registration Optometrist at Flint & Partners Optometrists.

“I found out about the Fitting Skills Day Course on social media and was eager to register as the last time I had hands-on experience fitting and assessing RGP lenses was during the second year of my degree. 

“I felt that I needed to brush up on my skills so that I could confidently fit and assess patients and also have early preparation for my stage 1 visit 3 assessment. 

“The day was filled with informative lectures regarding ocular surface and contact lens comfort, the contact lens consultation, top tips for RGP fitting, custom and toric contact lenses and the contact lens aftercare. 

“There was a hands-on session where we had the opportunity to fit and assess RGP contact lenses on each other, discussing the effects of changing different parameters and how this can affect the overall fit and performance of the contact lens for the patient. 

“We were also able to meet and talk with many sponsors regarding different contact lens products which are available to be used in everyday practice. 

“The course surpassed my expectations and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who fits and assesses contact lenses. The content was excellent, everyone was friendly and willing to impart their knowledge, and I left the day feeling as though I could confidently put everything I had learnt into practice.”