Australian optometrist Kate Gifford has been booked as an expert speaker for a series of roadshows organised by the BCLA this autumn.
The organisation will hold three myopia control events this September, in Birmingham, Manchester and London, giving an insight into how to make sure contact lenses work effectively for children.
Gifford, based in Brisbane and a former president of Optometry Australia, will discuss topics including lens design and outcomes during the meetings.
Meanwhile, fellow optometrist Paul Gifford will present a lecture titled ‘The Science and innovation of Myopia Control’, covering available methods for controlling myopia.
He said: ‘The growing incidence of paediatric myopia worldwide necessitates the practitioner to hold a thorough understanding of the scientific literature and its translation to clinical practice.
‘Understanding the imperative for myopia control, and the inter-relationship between scientific and clinical innovation, is key to ensure all facets of the optometry profession drive improvements for best patient outcomes.’
Keith Tempany, president of the BCLA, added: ‘Myopia control is arguably the hottest topic in optometry right now and needs to be on every optometrist’s radar.
‘Myopia in children is more prevalent than ever before and as a profession we have to be aware of what we can do to treat it effectively, while incorporating it into our everyday working practices.
‘There is nobody better placed than Kate to share her knowledge and pass on valuable advice to help all of us bring our practices up to speed and by holding these meetings across the country we can ensure everybody has access to this vital information.’
The first evening meeting will be held at the Manchester Museum on September 26, with further meetings will be held in Birmingham at the Think Tank Museum on September 27, and at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Wembley, London on September 28.
For more information, visit www.bcla.org.uk