Global Ambassador: Bridgitte Shen Lee
Tell us about yourself:
I immigrated to Dallas, Texas from Beijing, China at age 14 with my parents, who are both physicians and research scientists. I am a private practice co-owner and a mother to two teenage daughters.
My private practice – Vision Optique est. 1999 – serves almost 24,000 patients worldwide. It is a high-end optical, advanced contact lens practice, comprehensive ocular health center, and clinical trial research site focused on the latest innovations in contact lens, ophthalmic lens, and ocular surface disease treatment.
I enjoy reading, supporting performing arts, experiencing different cultures and cuisines, and sharing life’s adventures through photography and social media posts. My love of exploring and learning led to creating iTravelCE in 2010 to bridge the Asian and American/European optical industries. It brings optometrists to Asia for their continuing medical education and assists in improving the optometry profession in Asia. Through iTravelCE, I serve as an educator and a consultant in the eye care industry.
What encouraged/inspired you to join the BCLA?
I am passionate about helping people see and live better and empowering others to achieve their aspirations. My own journey - earning fellowships of the British Contact Lens Association, American Academy of Optometry, and European Academy of Optometry and Optics - has taught me that learning never stops!
BCLA has some of the most dedicated and accomplished clinicians, educators, and researchers. It is inspirational to learn and connect with them. The UK is one of my favorite countries to visit, and the BCLA conference is among my favorite meetings.
What do you hope to achieve by representing the BCLA as a Global Ambassador?
As a BCLA Global Ambassador, I hope to achieve the following:
1. Grow the BCLA community internationally through educational exchange and leadership;
2. Increase the reach and viewership of BCLA’s evidence-based educational content, such as the Contact Lens and Anterior Eye (CLAE) journal and the Contact Lens Evidence-based Academic Reports (CLEAR);
3. Collaborate with BCLA’s members on contact lens and ocular surface education.
Biography:
Dr. Bridgitte Shen Lee earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Houston College of Optometry. She is the co-founder of Vision Optique® (1999) and founder of iTravelCE® (2010). Vision Optique is recognized by CooperVision as one of ten 2018 Best Practices.
Dr. Shen Lee is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, a Fellow of the British Contact Lens Association, and a Fellow of the European Academy of Optometry and Optics. She lectures internationally on the topics of Digital Eye Health®, Dry Eye Disease, Health Care Social Media, and Ocular Aesthetics.
Dr. Shen Lee serves as a Medical Adviser to The Vision Council and as a Global Ambassador for the Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society (TFOS) and the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA). She has presented at three U.S. Congressional Briefings in 2019-2020 on behalf of The Vision Council, Alliance for Eye and Vision Research (AEVR), and TFOS, helping to increase funding for the National Eye Institute (NEI).