Why I joined the BCLA

I became a member of the British Contact Lens Association almost 15 years ago having attained my contact lens diploma. For me, it was like passing my driving test and then joining an advanced driving school so that I could maximise my new skills.
One of the key attractions of the BCLA is that it represents and welcomes everyone who is involved within the contact lens profession, irrespective of experience or qualifications: optometrists, dispensing opticians, ophthalmologists, manufacturers, suppliers, academics, students and researchers are all represented with equal standing within the association. This mix is reinforced by the variety of members within the BCLA council who represent every facet of the contact lens industry and professions. By joining the BCLA I was instantly introduced to this unique society.
The BCLA has a worldwide reputation for its annual clinical conference where new products, research updates, business concepts, clinical workshops and great social nights are the norm. Each year the conference boasts a host of national and international keynote speakers who really are at the cutting edge of their speciality in the contact lens field.
During the three days of the conference, delegates can attend lectures, participate in clinical and business workshops or see the latest developments in contact lenses and instrumentation at the manufacturer's exhibition. In conjunction with the main conference there is a Contact Lens Student Day, with lectures and workshops designed primarily for trainee contact lens opticians and pre-registration students, or for qualified professionals who just need to brush up on their skills.
Over the past few years I have had the privilege and pleasure of co-hosting a clinical workshop at the conference and also to present in the business seminar. Although, very nerve-racking, these experiences have been memorable and fulfilling and have inspired me to present more often.

continuing Education
I have been fortunate enough to attend the conference regularly over the past 15 years, and have been awakened to several new ideas and products that have had a profound effect on the day-to-day running of my practice. The opportunity to present at the conference has also furthered my own personal development in a new field.
The BCLA's objective is to encourage education and research in contact lenses. Although the annual clinical conference is the centrepiece of each year, there are numerous local meetings and seminars which are organised in order to try to realise this goal.
Evening meetings are generally presented by a keynote speaker and cover a varied range of topics. At previous meetings practitioners have given 10-minute 'Show 'n' Tell' presentations, or have debated the virtues of different types of contact lenses. On every occasion the emphasis has been placed on sharing knowledge and learning while having fun.
The one-day CET courses are always centred on a theme. Typical themes over the past year have been: Modern contact lens practice, managing, maintaining and growing your practice and, most recently, Australia Day.
All seminars, meetings and the clinical conference are approved by the College of Optometrists and the Association of British Dispensing Opticians.
The BCLA has also organised some excellent training days for support staff, which are tiered according to level of experience and knowledge. These courses are designed to develop the skills of support staff, from those of the novice up to those of a confident and pro-active member of staff who would be fully conversant in all aspects of contact lenses.
So why should anyone involved in contact lenses consider joining the BCLA? On a personal level, the support of the BCLA, and the numerous acquaintances I have made through joining, have contributed significantly to my personal and practice development.
However, I feel that the BCLA still needs to attract more practitioners from mainstream contact lens practice, as well as those who are not directly involved in practice. Perhaps more practitioners who are now fitting contact lenses, or just starting up, will feel tempted to join the BCLA and then benefit not only from the association's commitment to promoting excellence in the contact lens field, but also from developing their practices and their own personal skills.