Prof Jennifer Craig (centre front and on screen) explains the newly unveiled Dry Eye Wheel on stage at BCLA 2023 with fellow developers Profs Lyndon Jones (centre, as ‘patient’) and James Wolffsohn (left)

The British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) conference, held in balmy Manchester from 9-11 June, proved to be a remarkable event that brought together clinicians, vision scientists and professionals from the fields of optometry and ophthalmology. While the outside temperature reached 32⁰C, the conference indoors served as a hot platform for sharing knowledge, discussing advancements and exploring innovations in the realm of anterior eye and contact lenses. With a focus on promoting eye health and enhancing clinical care, the event proved to be a valuable and exciting experience for attendees.

There was something at the conference for each attendee. It featured an array of interactive sessions and presentations that covered various aspects of anterior eye research and practice. The programme also included a wealth of informative talks on topics such as dry eye disease (DED), dry eye management, myopia control and specialty lens fitting. The two most stimulating and well attended sessions were: Reports from TFOS (Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society) Lifestyle workshop and Dry Eye Wheel.

Turning the wheel on our dry eye lifestyle

Our lifestyle not only defines who we are but also has a significant role to play in our health. The ocular surface can be affected due to external factors, including environmental conditions, societal challenges, digital environment and cosmetics; and internal factors such as nutrition and elective medications and procedures. With the University of Auckland’s Professor Jennifer Craig as chair, TFOS has recently published a series of reports titled ‘A Lifestyle Epidemic: Ocular Surface Disease’ to raise awareness of these lifestyle choices on eye health. All these reports were briefly introduced at the BCLA session by several members of the TFOS workshop. More about TFOS Lifestyle workshop will be discussed in the special Dry Eye issue in next month’s NZ Optics.

Dry Eye Wheel was introduced by our very own Prof Craig and her collaborators Professors James Wolffsohn (Aston University, UK) and Lyndon Jones (Centre for Ocular Research and Education, Waterloo University, Canada). They explained that several aspects of mitigation, measurement and management are likely to be accessible to us in our routine clinical set-up, while others might require additional instrumentation knowledge and/or confidence (see separate story in related stories below). 

Sharing expertise and knowledge

In addition to Prof Craig, the team from New Zealand included myself, Dr Kalika Bandamwar and doctoral student Janice Yeoman. Yeoman discussed the ocular prosthetic rehabilitation after eye disfigurement and eye loss in Auckland, while I shared New Zealand optometrists’ and ophthalmologists’ perceptions of scleral shell prostheses. Dr Bandamwar talked about the diagnostic accuracy of Tearcheck in identifying dry eye disease and its subtypes.

Dr Kalika Bandamwar, Janice Yeoman and Dr Stuti Misra

The conference also featured a lively exhibition hall that showcased the latest advancements in anterior segment, contact lens technology and associated products. Leading manufacturers and suppliers from the industry presented their innovations, allowing attendees to indulge and try some of these novel tools. The exhibition provided a unique opportunity for clinicians to engage directly with industry representatives, ask questions and gather valuable information about the latest products and services available to enhance patient care.

The BCLA 2023 conference exhibition hall

As always, this year’s BCLA conference promoted networking and collaborative opportunities among professionals from various countries and backgrounds, including optometrists, ophthalmologists, researchers and industry experts. There were ample chances to interact, exchange ideas and establish valuable connections while reading an interesting poster or enjoying a cup of tea or coffee.

Another highlight of the conference was the gala dinner, called ‘BCLA Celebrates’, at the Imperial War Museum North. Along with delicious food and vibrant music, attendees cheered the new BCLA fellows, who included myself and Dr Bandamwar. BCLA fellowships recognise a member’s knowledge in the field of contact lenses and the anterior eye, showing their commitment to the prestigious association and the significant contributions they have made.

New BCLA fellow Dr Kalika Bandamwar at the 2023 awards ceremony

The BCLA conference aimed to be inclusive and catered to the needs of professionals at all stages of their careers. The programme specifically included sessions for students and early-career practitioners and researchers, providing them with insights, guidance and mentorship from experienced international clinician-scientists. Workshops and practical demonstrations further enhanced the learning experience, allowing attendees to acquire new skills and refine their techniques.

It was a resounding success, with engaging sessions, a vibrant exhibition, a plethora of networking opportunities and a focus on professional development. The event underscored the commitment of the BCLA to advancing eye health and elevating the standard of patient care worldwide.

Dr Stuti Misra is an optometrist-scientist and senior lecturer with the ophthalmology department at the University of Auckland, and an American Academy of Optometry Diplomate in cornea, contact lens and refractive technology. Her research interests include anterior segment imaging, ocular surface diseases and corneal innervation.