BCLA The British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) is an educational and scientific membership orgnisation.

Industry partners back BCLA’s landmark astigmatism guidance initiativeWe are very pleased to announce grant funding supp...
22/06/2026

Industry partners back BCLA’s landmark astigmatism guidance initiative

We are very pleased to announce grant funding support from Alcon, CooperVision, EssilorLuxottica and Johnson & Johnson for the forthcoming BCLA CLEAR™ Astigmatism project.

Scheduled for publication in 2027, the initiative will bring together leading international experts to develop evidence-based guidance and a global consensus on all aspects of astigmatism and its management.

The publication will feature six comprehensive papers covering diagnosis, epidemiology, correction options, surgical management and irregular astigmatism, providing eye care professionals with a definitive reference resource and helping shape the future of research and patient care worldwide.

Read more here ➡️ https://tinyurl.com/4cpk4yct

Celebrating Excellence in Orthokeratology EducationCongratulations to all practitioners who have successfully completed ...
15/06/2026

Celebrating Excellence in Orthokeratology Education

Congratulations to all practitioners who have successfully completed the BCLA-HKAOK Orthokeratology Continuing Education (OKCE) Course over the past few years.

Designed for experienced orthokeratology practitioners who have been practising in the field for at least five years, the programme provides an opportunity to gain formal certification and recognition as a competent ortho-k practitioner. Delivered to a consistent, high standard across hospitals and provinces throughout China, the course strengthens understanding of ortho-k theory and practice, promotes safe and ethical patient care, and enhances clinical decision-making.

Supported by the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA), the Hong Kong Academy of Orthokeratology (HKAOK) and the National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases (NCRC), the programme is helping to raise standards and establish a global benchmark for orthokeratology practice.

Practitioners who successfully pass both the written and practical assessments are awarded a certificate signed by the presidents of BCLA, HKAOK and NCRC, recognising their commitment to professional excellence.

Congratulations to all graduates of the OKCE Course. Your dedication to advancing orthokeratology practice is helping to improve patient care and shape the future of the profession.

Introducing our new "Life-Changing Cases" podcast series Some clinical cases do more than improve vision - they transfor...
12/06/2026

Introducing our new "Life-Changing Cases" podcast series

Some clinical cases do more than improve vision - they transform lives.

In the first episode of our new series, Karin Brown-Balvert FBDO CL FBCLA and Fakhruddin Shamsheer Barodawala are joined by Brian Tompkins, as they explore real clinical cases that transformed patients' lives.

We take a deep dive into the complexities of bilateral post-graft management and discuss how impression scleral lenses helped restore a patient's independence and dramatically improve their quality of life. Through detailed clinical discussion and practical fitting pearls, this episode provides actionable insights for clinicians managing complex corneal cases.

✅ Advanced scleral lens fitting insights

✅ Real-world clinical pearls

✅ Practical management strategies

✅ A compelling patient success story

Listen now and discover valuable approaches for managing some of your most challenging cases - https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/bcla00/

Paediatric contact lens fitting is evolving - are your prescribing practices keeping pace?Join us for the next BCLA webi...
11/06/2026

Paediatric contact lens fitting is evolving - are your prescribing practices keeping pace?

Join us for the next BCLA webinar: Kids, Contacts, and Control: The New Era of Paediatric Lens Prescribing with Dr Sophie Coverdale

📅 Tuesday 14 July 2026

⏰ 6:30pm - 7:30pm

🎓 1 CPD point

Drawing on findings from a UK-wide survey, this evidence-based session will explore how attitudes and prescribing behaviours around paediatric contact lenses are changing in real-world practice.

Key topics include:

✔️ The growing influence of myopia management on prescribing decisions

✔️ Differences in prescribing approaches between optometrists and contact lens opticians

✔️ The safety, functional and patient-centred benefits of contact lens wear for children and young people

Gain practical insights to:

🔹 Reflect on your own prescribing behaviours and attitudes

🔹 Apply current UK evidence to support contact lens prescribing and myopia management for patients under 18

Whether you're already fitting contact lenses for children or looking to expand your practice, this webinar will help you make informed and confident clinical decisions.

This webinar is open to all -register here: https://tinyurl.com/3bb78xmh

Exciting news from the BCLA! 🎉We have just launched a major new programme as part of the Transform project, designed to ...
08/06/2026

Exciting news from the BCLA! 🎉

We have just launched a major new programme as part of the Transform project, designed to make membership more accessible, support career development, and strengthen collaboration across the eye care profession.

Effective from 1 June, the new membership structure introduces four core UK categories:

🔹 Full Member

🔹 Associate

🔹 Newly Qualified

🔹 Students

Alongside new international membership options, the changes aim to provide greater access to education, professional support, and evidence-based resources for practitioners at every stage of their careers.

As part of the programme, selected BCLA courses and services will also be available to non-members on a fee-paid basis, expanding access to specialist education in areas such as myopia management, dry eye, presbyopia, and contact lenses.

Launching ahead of our 50th anniversary year, Transform marks a significant step forward in the association’s mission to support eye care professionals both in the UK and around the world.

Read more here - https://tinyurl.com/342szkjw

📢 CPD Webinar Reminder – Register NowThere’s still time to secure your place at our upcoming CPD webinar: Disease Risk C...
04/06/2026

📢 CPD Webinar Reminder – Register Now

There’s still time to secure your place at our upcoming CPD webinar: Disease Risk Communication and Myopia with Emma Lennox next week Tuesday 9 June at 7:00pm.

As eye care practitioners, we’re familiar with the increased risks of ocular disease associated with myopia. But did you know that the way risk is communicated can significantly influence how it is perceived?

This webinar will explore:

✔️ The difference between relative and absolute risk

✔️ Why risk presentation matters in clinical practice

✔️ Best practices for communicating risk to patients

✔️ How to support informed decision-making through balanced conversations

The skills covered are not only relevant to myopia management but can be applied across many areas of eye care, helping practitioners communicate more effectively and enhance patient care.

Register now and join us for this valuable CPD session - https://tinyurl.com/ybnbuzw8

🎉 BCLA Asia 2026 in Tokyo was a tremendous success!More than 450 delegates filled the main hall at the TAKANAWA Gateway ...
01/06/2026

🎉 BCLA Asia 2026 in Tokyo was a tremendous success!

More than 450 delegates filled the main hall at the TAKANAWA Gateway Convention Centre for a dynamic day of learning, collaboration and innovation.

The programme featured three outstanding symposia, cutting-edge free paper presentations and engaging poster sessions, showcasing why we are recognised globally as a leading association for contact lens and anterior eye professionals, researchers, academics and clinicians.

The event brought together expert speakers from across Asia, as well as Canada, Australia and the UK, made possible through the support of our Platinum Sponsors: CooperVision, Menicon and Ophtecs.

Delivered in partnership with the Japan Contact Lens Society as part of its two-day congress, the conference highlighted the value of international collaboration within the profession. A special thanks go to Prof Hori and the entire JCLS team.

Highlights included:

🔹 The CooperVision-sponsored Myopia Management Symposium featuring Prof Pauline Cho

🔹 The Menicon Dry Eye Symposium, where BCLA President Byki Huntjens explored the impact of the TFOS DEWS III report on everyday clinical practice

🔹 The Ophtecs Symposium, led by Debarun Dutta, BCLA Academic Chair and President-Elect, covering the latest developments in contact lens solutions and insights from BCLA's CLEAR™ Presbyopia Report.

The programme was further enriched by lunchtime lectures from Gold Sponsor EssilorLuxottica and Menicon, alongside a vibrant exhibition featuring leading companies from Japan and around the world.

A special congratulations to the newest BCLA Fellows who were formally admitted during the event. Fellowship represents a significant contribution to the advancement of contact lens and anterior eye care, and it was a privilege to recognise these individuals among peers and colleagues from across the profession. We welcome them to the Fellowship community and look forward to their continued impact on education, research and clinical practice.

Thank you to everyone who attended, presented, exhibited and supported BCLA Asia 2026. We look forward to building on this success in the years ahead.

BCLA Council Nominations Close Next Friday – 5 June 2026We are seeking committed and enthusiastic members from across th...
29/05/2026

BCLA Council Nominations Close Next Friday – 5 June 2026

We are seeking committed and enthusiastic members from across the profession and industry, including:

☑️ Optometrists (including newly qualified professionals)

☑️ Contact Lens Opticians

☑️ Ophthalmologists

☑️ Technical professionals

☑️ Industry representatives

BCLA Council represents the Association’s multidisciplinary membership across all sectors relating to contact lenses and anterior eye health. As we approach this summer’s AGM, there will be three Council positions available.

This is an exciting time to join the BCLA. The Association is implementing a new strategic direction, and incoming Council members will play an integral role in shaping and delivering the future vision of the BCLA while ensuring members’ voices are represented across the profession and industry.

If you would like to put yourself forward, please complete the online nomination form before nominations close on Friday 5 June 2026.

Apply here: https://tinyurl.com/5n6w2d9k

📣 Reminder: BCLA Council nominations are still OPEN! 📣There’s still time to put yourself forward and help shape the futu...
21/05/2026

📣 Reminder: BCLA Council nominations are still OPEN! 📣

There’s still time to put yourself forward and help shape the future of the BCLA and the wider profession.

We’re seeking passionate and engaged members from across the sector, including:

• Optometrists (including newly qualified)

• Contact Lens Opticians

• Ophthalmologists

• Industry and technical professionals

With three Council positions available ahead of this summer’s AGM, this is an opportunity to contribute your voice, experience, and ideas at an exciting time for the Association.

We encourage nominations from individuals of all backgrounds, career stages, and areas of expertise.

📅 Nomination deadline: 5 June 2026

🗳️ Voting: June/July

🔊 Successful candidates announced at the AGM

If you’re ready to make an impact and represent your peers, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply via the online nomination form: https://tinyurl.com/59su5b2x

Register today for our next webinar: Disease Risk Communication and Myopia with Emma Lennox on Tuesday 9 June at 7:00pm....
19/05/2026

Register today for our next webinar: Disease Risk Communication and Myopia with Emma Lennox on Tuesday 9 June at 7:00pm.

Many eye care practitioners are familiar with the risks of ocular diseases and visual impairment associated with myopia - but did you know that the way these risks are presented can significantly influence how they are perceived?

Myopia is linked to an increased risk of conditions including:

• Myopic macular degeneration

• Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

• Primary open-angle glaucoma

This CPD webinar will explore how risk is communicated in clinical practice, including the difference between relative and absolute risk, and why relying solely on relative risk can unintentionally exaggerate perceptions of danger.

The session will provide practical guidance on:

• Explaining risk in balanced, meaningful ways

• Using absolute risk measures, natural units, and visual decision tools

• Supporting patients to make more informed decisions about their care

Attendees will gain valuable knowledge and communication skills that are relevant not only to myopia management, but to many aspects of patient care across eye health practice.

This session is open to all - register here: https://tinyurl.com/bddukds4

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Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
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