As the UK finally basked in glorious mid-summer sun, contact lens professionals, academics, clinicians, students and industry partners from around the world flocked to Birmingham for an action-packed four days of education, business, networking and socialising.
A total of 1,203 visitors from 45 countries attended the 36th British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) Clinical Conference and Exhibition at the ICC Birmingham late May (24-27 May).
At a special reception prior to the Conference Gala Dinner, outgoing BCLA President, Shelly Bansal, encouraged guests to make the most of their BCLA membership, including a new conference loyalty discount scheme.
Announced at the Gala Dinner were 19 new BCLA Fellowships, a mark of esteem in the field of contact lenses, which allows recipients to use the letters FBCLA after their names.
Announced at the Gala Dinner were 19 new BCLA Fellowships, a mark of esteem in the field of contact lenses…
Past BCLA President, William Thomas, who stepped down from the BCLA Council at the 2012 AGM, was awarded an Honorary Life Membership.
Speaking as she begins her year in office, new BCLA President, Dr. Catharine Chisholm, said: “I am delighted to become President of the BCLA and it will be an honour to serve the Association and its members… In the year ahead I hope to lead the BCLA in taking our online offering to a new level and developing innovative business and educational resources for practitioners just starting out in contact lenses, as well as those wanting to build further their contact lens business. I would like to see the BCLA become the focal point for the whole contact lens community.”
Dr. Chisholm thanked the BCLA Immediate Past President Shelly Bansal for his commitment and passion over the past two years.
Andy Yorke, Managing Director of Topcon UK and past BCLA Council member (Technical Representative), is BCLA President Elect.
The 37th BCLA Clinical Conference and Exhibition will take place at Manchester Central, UK, from 6-9 June 2013.
For information about BCLA events and the Association visit www.bcla.org.uk.
