With the Health Bill currently going through Parliament it has emerged that there will be a special concentration on public health and ocular risks at this year's BCLA conference.
The three-day clinical conference and exhibition, the world's largest event dedicated to the contact lens sector, will see experts discuss smoking and vision loss, the risks posed to patients in swimming pools and other public areas, and the problems caused by the highly contagious adenovirus.
The session, chaired by ophthalmologist Sunil Shah, will also discuss diabetes, and the positive role of Omega-3 fatty acids on health and bodily secretions such as tear film.
Other keynote sessions include a 'Silicone hydrogels symposium', 'Fitting the keratoconic and post Lasik eye' and 'How much oxygen is enough?'
In addition, six clinical workshops will take place on the opening day, and a contact lens pre-exam workshop for trainee contact lens opticians and pre-reg optometrists will be held on the Saturday of the event.
Elsewhere at the conference a comprehensive lecture schedule has been organised, and lecturers will include Dr Jennifer Craig (New Zealand), Professor Dwight Cavanagh (US) and Professor Charles McMonnies (Australia).
Last year's conference attracted record numbers with 1,200 attending, many from overseas. This year's event will take place during May 19-21 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel.
Places are available for next Tuesday's (January 17) BCLA half-day continuing education course at the Royal Society of Medicine, London. See diary dates opposite for details.
Features
Public health focus at giant CL conference
With the Health Bill currently going through Parliament it has emerged that there will be a special concentration on public health and ocular risks at this year's BCLA conference.