Global Ambassador: Jacinto Santodomingo
Tell us about yourself:
I’m a 44-year-old Spaniard currently based in Madrid, but who has lived several years in different parts of the world, including around 1 year in the US, 8 years in the UK and 2 years in Japan. All this time overseas has made me grow as an international, cosmopolitan and friendly person who can communicate at all levels. I frequently travel all over the world for business as well as for fun. I am well disciplined, hardworking, enthusiastic and confident. In my spare time, I like to play sports and spend time with the family and friends.
What encouraged/inspired you to join the BCLA?
It was some time back around 2001 while doing my PhD at Aston University, when I first attended a major international conference: the BCLA. I was so fascinated about it that I became so much in love with this association and its annual (now biannual) meeting. Since then, it has been my favourite international conference, where I have had so much fun and made so many good friends. Also, being part of the BCLA and attending its meetings have been very useful to project myself both internationally and professionally.
What do you hope to achieve by representing the BCLA as a Global Ambassador?
I’m planning to spread the word of the BCLA around the world to friends and colleagues by explaining all the benefits of being part of the BCLA family.
Biography:
Jacinto Santodomingo graduated in Optometry in Spain and then he moved to the UK to undertake an MSc followed by a PhD in Optometry and Vision Sciences. On completion of his postgraduate studies and after a short spell in clinical practice, he moved to Japan to take the post of Global Professional Relations Manager for Menicon Co., Ltd. Jacinto returned to Spain in 2006 and six years later he was appointed Clinical Affairs Manager & Senior Research Scientist for Menicon R&D. His career goals include the development of products that satisfy market needs from concept to production within the Ophthalmic / Pharmaceutical industry with an emphasis in products aimed at reducing myopia progression in children. In 2011, he was the recipient of the Irving Fatt Memorial Lecture Award of the BCLA. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and the British Contact Lens Association, and a member of the International Society of Contact Lens Research. He has presented over 60 papers, posters and invited lectures at international conferences worldwide and authored over 50 referred and professional publications as well as several book chapters. His research interests include myopia, ocular biometry, the cornea and tear film, and different aspects of contact lenses.