British Contact Lens Association

31 January 2012

The deadline for applications for 2012 Fellowship of the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) has been extended to 30 April to allow members more time to apply.

Since the scheme was launched in 2006, a total of 133 professionals from the international community of contact lens industry and practice have become BCLA Fellows following viva voce assessment at the annual BCLA Clinical Conference.

The Fellowship scheme allows members of all disciplines who show high esteem in contact lenses and the anterior eye to use the affix FBCLA – but there’s more to BCLA Fellowship than that.

For 2011 BCLA Fellow, Maria Markoulli (pictured), who works as Project Manager at the Brien Holden Vision Institute in Australia, applying for BCLA Fellowship was her chance to share the BCLA’s “vision and passion”.

Maria said: “I have great respect for the work that the BCLA does to educate and train practitioners, to disseminate research and support researchers. I share this vision as well as the BCLA’s passion for contact lenses and the anterior eye. I felt that by becoming a Fellow I could demonstrate my commitment to this research field and join the ranks of others with similar interests.

“Being a BCLA Fellow means that I am part of an international community with a common interest. These are colleagues from different fields with whom you may share thoughts and ideas, and they often become part of the support network that enables us to achieve so much in the research arena,” added Maria.

Ian Cameron of Edinburgh-based Cameron Optometry, who also gained BCLA Fellowship in 2011, commented: “Our contract with the NHS for providing specialist contact lens services in our area is a significant element in our business. Fellowship of the BCLA gives external validation of my commitment to the highest standards of contact lens practice, which is recognised by our contractors and my peers.”

Noted US optometrist, lecturer and author, Dr Arthur Epstein (pictured), explained what gaining BCLA Fellowship in 2011 means to him: “Contact lenses are not only life changing for our patients, but they are a glue that binds together an international community of experts and educators. The BCLA is extraordinary example of this collegiality and commitment to furthering both science and clinical excellence in this eyecare subspecialty. Fellowship of the BCLA, and being recognised by esteemed colleagues, not only reflects a commitment and accomplishment within our field but it is also a tremendous honour.”

For further details about BCLA Fellowship and to apply, visit www.bcla.org.uk