BLOG: Why should you attend the BCLA’s Fitting Skills Day? – The top five things you will learn in one day

1) Caroline Christie is an experienced assessor, examiner and former university lecturer who will hold an interactive workshop at the forthcoming Fitting Skills Day, sharing tips on how to understand, approach and gather evidence for the contact lens aftercare competencies and determine appropriate patient management plans. Trainee contact lens opticians will learn the ability to investigate, identify and manage any aftercare issues and to be responsible for future contact lens management of a patient. Meanwhile, pre-reg opticians will be given the opportunity to learn the ability to assess the progress in wear of a contact lens patient and to investigate, identify and manage and aftercare issues.  

2) Andy Smith and Josie Barlow will share their wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm for RGP fitting to ensure you develop confidence in how to maximise the chance of first time success with RGP fitting. All those attending Fitting Skills Day will have the opportunity to practice these techniques in the practical RGP workshop session and master the art of choosing, fitting and ordering rigid lenses.

3) Effective communication and patient handling is a massive part of being a great eye care practitioner. Neil Retallic, examiner, BCLA council member and BUCCLE chair, will highlight how to best engage patients with contact lenses, select the appropriate lens and deliver the best patient care.~

4) Having a good knowledge of a range of contact lenses and care products is essential if you are to maximise the contact lens wearer’s experience and impress your assessors/examiners. Representation from contact lens suppliers will be on hand to update you and explain their product portfolios, so you have all the information you need to succeed with contact lens fitting. 

5) Toric and presbyopic contact lens fitting is under-represented in the current UK market. Get ahead of the game by participating in dedicated toric and presbyopic interactive sessions, to ensure you understand all the options available for your patients.

There are still a few places remaining for the Fitting Skills Day, you can find out more and register for the event here.