British Contact Lens Association selects Vision Aid Overseas as charity

The BCLA has nominated Vision Aid Overseas as the charity it will support over the coming year, in response to nominations from members for an optically-related charity to support.

The BCLA Council decided that VAO should be the first to be supported in this way. The charity’s promotional material will be included in mailings to BCLA members and in delegates’ packs at the Association’s Clinical Conference.

Started in 1985, VAO, has provided 500,000 eye tests and given 250,000 people the ability to see. VAO director Tym Marsh said: ‘It is a great honour for VAO to be selected as the BCLA charity of choice. We are determined to expand our work and help many more patients in the developing world who desperately need a pair of spectacles to lead a normal life. With the help of organisations like the BCLA we will succeed.’

The BCLA is seeking presenters for clinical workshops at its 2007 conference, at the new Manchester International Convention Centre from May 31-June 3.

The 90-minute workshops must have a hands-on practical approach and allow delegates the opportunity to learn new clinical skills. Any topic of relevance to clinical contact lens and anterior eye practice may be covered. Presenters receive complimentary conference registration (up to two presenters per workshop – auxiliary clinical tutors will be provided to conform to GOC requirements) and an expenses grant.

Applications, with an abstract of 300 words and four learning objectives, should be submitted by September 20 to www.bcla.org.uk