William Thomas was appointed the new BCLA president at the Association's annual clinical conference and exhibition in Manchester last weekend, taking over from Dr Sarah Janikoun.
Managing director of David Thomas Contact Lenses since 1982 and a technical member of the BCLA since its inception in 1977, Thomas has been on the BCLA council for several years, previously holding the role of treasurer.
'I am extremely honoured to have been chosen as president and would like to thank my fellow council members for the support they have given me,' said Thomas.
'I believe that given the current profile of the BCLA, we have a great opportunity to increase membership both in the UK and internationally.
'I will work hard to ensure that the conference maintains its reputation as the world's foremost contact lens meeting and would also like to expand the Pioneers Conference, which has now become a major event on the contact lens calendar,' he added.
?At the conference gala dinner on May 30, 21 new BCLA fellowships were awarded which allow the recipients to use the letters FBCLA after their names. Former BCLA president Nigel Burnett Hodd, who organises the annual BCLA Pioneers events, received honorary life membership of the BCLA in recognition of his significant contribution to the Association.