The International Association of Contact Lens Educators (IACLE) has reported membership growth of 11% in 2019 as the association celebrated its 40th anniversary with events around the world. The non-profit, non-political association is dedicated to raising the standard of contact lens education and promoting the safe use of contact lenses worldwide through the provision of education and information resources essential to contact lens educators.
At the end of the year, the association had a total of 938 active members, compared to 845 at the close of 2018. IACLE was represented in 78 countries, with the highest numbers in China (276), India (139), Colombia (47), United Kingdom (46) and South Korea (43). More than a third of members (35%) were Fellows of IACLE (FIACLEs).
Alongside strong membership growth, IACLE reported that a total of 8,359 people had attended IACLE’s own meetings, training and events, 1,585 students at 42 institutes completed the Student Trial Exam, and 44 news items and features on IACLE were published. During its 40th year, IACLE released its new Contact Lens Course (ICLC), and fully updated its distance learning program to align with the ICLC.
President Dr Shehzad Naroo commented, “2019 was an exceptional year for IACLE. We celebrated our 40th anniversary around the world with friends old and new. We are grateful to our sponsors who supported our various initiatives in 2019. We have big plans for the rest of 2020 and new resources planned for 2021.”
IACLE is supported by leading global contact lens manufacturers: Platinum Sponsor Alcon, Gold Sponsor CooperVision, Silver Sponsor Johnson & Johnson Vision, Bronze Sponsor Bausch + Lomb and Donor Sponsor Euclid.
