Forum looks to boost CL wear

The second annual European Contact Lens Forum (ECLF) seminar, held in Amsterdam last week, highlighted the need for education as the main way to grow the contact lens market.

ECLF chairman Helmer Schweizer noted that the 5 per cent penetration figure for Europe was on the low side compared with North America's 15 per cent, albeit there were exceptions in northern Europe.

The CEO of internet supplier Getlenses, Michael Kraftman, said that CLs needed to be more affordable, that practitioners should think about them first and be keener to suggest new technology. He added that governments should deregulate and create a harmonised environment throughout Europe, suggesting a 'European CL wearer licence'.