PRESS RELEASE
Monday, June 11, 2018
A tale of two cities as BCLA UK hailed a huge hit
The decision to stage BCLA UK across two days, taking in two cities and opening the event up to a larger audience than ever before, has been labelled a ‘game-changer’ – with eye care professionals from across the country gaining access to the very latest research.
For the first time, BCLA leaders organised a ‘split-site’ conference, with the programme held on separate days in London and Birmingham, allowing more people to attend and benefit from the world-renowned expertise on offer.
A dedicated dry eye track saw Professor James Wolffsohn lead a series of workshops and a wide-ranging discussion on the diagnosis and management of the condition while Dr Shehzad Naroo delivered a compelling lecture on delivering the concept of ‘Ocular Surface Happy’ to improve retention rates among contact lens patients.
Dr Claire Hallas, a practitioner health psychologist, looked at why parents say yes or no to contact lens use for their children – the first time the BCLA has welcomed an expert outside of optometry to give a unique insight into the field.
The programme was praised by delegates, with optical assistant Kasia Rosiewicz impressed by the dedicated OA course led by Sarah Morgan. She said: “It was an excellent session explaining how to handle and clean contact lenses, see new products and meet a whole host of people. “Coming to a BCLA event has been a great adventure. Previously it would have been difficult for me to come along but having this event on one day over two cities has been a game-changer for me and many others.”
Fellow delegate Nirmal Misra added: “I enjoyed the interactive workshops and seeing the new technology making its way on to the market. It was a pleasure to hear from the pioneers who are changing the contact lens world.”
Dr Michael Read delivered a lecture stressing the importance of choosing the right material for the right patient while Dr Nicola Logan examined the topic of myopia control and looked at what optometrists can do in everyday practice.
Further sessions were delivered by Professor Phil Morgan, Professor Fiona Stapleton who travelled from Australia to attend the event, and an interactive grading workshop facilitated by BUCCLE.
Workshops were held on irregular corneas, fitting lenses in children, Orthokeratology, presbyopia and meibography while an interactive grading session gave delegates the chance to gauge their accuracy.
BCLA chief executive Cheryl Donnelly said: “We are always looking to evolve and, after listening to members we thought we’d try a split-site UK conference this year, giving more people than ever before the chance to attend.
“We’re delighted with the feedback we have received and all those attending have gone home with new techniques, new contacts and the knowledge they need to elevate the patient experience through enhanced clinical skills.”
As part of BCLA UK, five new BCLA Fellowships were awarded, with Byki Huntjens, Neil Chatterjee, Pauline Bradford and Sarah Smith presented with their certificates in Birmingham and Paul McDonald receiving his award in London.
For more information on forthcoming BCLA events, including BCLA Asia and Visionaries, click here.
Notes to editors
• For further information, or to arrange further interviews, please call Daniel Owens from Orange Juice Communications on 07909 916668 or email [email protected]