Graduates' CL skills are focus for debate

Members will discuss whether optometric graduates are leaving university with the technical and clinical grounding required to deliver today's complex contact lenses to an increasingly educated consumer. In addition, they will debate whether the increasing numbers of optometry students entering the universities enhance or devalue the skill-base of the contact lens practitioner. Members will also discuss the possible impact of the introduction of compulsory continuing education and training on the profession. The meeting's speakers are Paul Carroll, director of professional services at Specsavers Optical and Retail Training, and Dr Sudi Patel, director of West Coast Eye Research, Oban and visiting professor at the University Miguel Hernandez de Elche Alicante. Both have wide-ranging experience of graduate recruitment and training. The BLCA is expecting 'an informed and vigorous discussion'. BCLA members and non-members are welcome to the event which starts at 6.30pm with refreshments. The debate begins at 7.30pm.