PRESS RELEASE
Monday, 30 March 2026
BCLA to host webinar supporting early clinicians in building contact lens confidence

The British Contact Lens Association is set to deliver a new educational webinar aimed at supporting students and early-career practitioners as they transition into clinical practice. 
Taking place from 7pm on Tuesday, 28 April, Building Confidence in Contact Lens Practice as a Student and Early Clinician will be delivered online and is open to all. The hour-long session will be led by practitioner Habeeb Rahman and will focus on equipping delegates with practical tools to strengthen their clinical decision-making and patient communication skills.
The webinar will explore common challenges faced by those new to practice, including selecting an initial contact lens, assessing fit, and managing patient expectations. Through a structured and accessible approach, attendees will gain clarity on these core areas, helping to reduce uncertainty and build confidence in day-to-day clinical scenarios.
Key learning outcomes include a simple framework for selecting and assessing trial lenses, strategies for improving communication with patients, and practical techniques to support more confident early clinical practice. The session also highlights the link between practitioner confidence and improved patient outcomes, including comfort, compliance and overall satisfaction.
Brad Parkes, chief executive of the BCLA, said: “Supporting the next generation of contact lens practitioners is a key priority for the BCLA. Transitioning from education into practice can be a challenging period, and confidence plays a crucial role in both clinical decision-making and patient care. 
“This webinar is designed to provide clear, practical guidance that clinicians can immediately apply in practice, ultimately benefiting both practitioners and their patients.”
Habeeb Rahman is a specialist optometrist at East Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. In addition to his hospital role, he works in independent practice and is involved in supervising undergraduate students on the MOptom programme at the University of Bradford.


The session forms part of the BCLA’s ongoing commitment to accessible, high-quality education for the profession. By addressing real-world clinical challenges and focusing on practical application, the webinar aims to empower early clinicians to make safe, effective decisions and deliver better patient experiences.
Practitioners, students and those in the early stages of their careers are encouraged to attend. Registration is now open online at www.bcla.org.uk


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]