BCLA attracts record delegate numbers

A record 1,200 visitors and 904 registered delegates attended the BCLA's 29th clinical conference and exhibition in Brighton last weekend. The figures were respectively 20 per cent and 16 per cent up on 2004's event, which recorded 782 registered delegates and around 1,000 visitors from 40 different countries.
The three-day event took place at the Hilton Brighton Metropole Hotel where over 30 contact lens and equipment companies showcased their latest products. Companies also presented the latest information on their products in the lecture theatres and specially built perspex auditorium.
This year's conference programme included a symposia on contact lens and anterior eye complications, ortho-k, myopia and practice management, as well as a round-table discussion on new contact lens materials led by Professor Brien Holden.
Next year the conference and exhibition will return to the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel. The dates are already confirmed as May 19-21.
Plans are under way for a conference in Manchester in 2007 with a gala dinner at Manchester United's dining facilities at Old Trafford.
The BCLA has launched its new Fellowship scheme to allow members who show high achievement in the field of contact lenses and the anterior eye to use the letters FBCLA. The idea was discussed earlier this year and has now been approved by the Association.
Members will be eligible to apply for the FBCLA by gaining 50 points through submission of case records, publications in peer-reviewed journals or postgraduate study. Applications must be submitted by March 2006 and to be eligible for assessment at the Clinical Conference by the Association's academic committee. A 50 fee will entitle members to three attempts for the FBCLA over three years.
Existing Fellows will have the fee waived until June 2007.
emma.c.white@rbi.co.uk