Focusing on the contact lens care (CLC) sector, Ophtecs has developed its business since its establishment in 1981 under the corporate philosophy of “Challenge and Innovation”.
Their ambition is to make their CLC products well-known to be developed with innovative technology and a wealth of experience as a specialised CLC manufacturer, to the contact lens wearer around the world. It is their aim to continuously launch new innovative products, which can fulfil unmet needs, and lead to improved ocular health.
By using their accumulated wealth of experience and knowledge as a CLC specialised manufacturer and combining these with the use of state-of-art technology, new products are developed with superior functions, which are then contributed to the market.
BCLA is transforming and we would love you to be a part of it!
We’re refreshing our committees and looking for passionate members to get involved. Whether you're just starting out or highly experienced, there’s a place for you.
This is a fantastic opportunity to get involved in helping shape the future of the BCLA. Our key committees are:
Membership | Events | Education | Standards & Research
Make an impact. Build your network. Shape the future.
Presbyopia affects almost everyone with time, so awareness, early discussion and evidence-based management remain key to better patient outcomes.
As part of Presbyopia Awareness Month, we’re highlighting the BCLA CLEAR™ Presbyopia resources: a global, evidence-based set of resources developed by leading experts to support eye care professionals across every aspect of presbyopia, from understanding mechanisms and impact, through evaluation, to modern management options.
Whether you’re looking to refresh your knowledge, support patient conversations, or align with best‑practice guidance, these are designed for real‑world clinical and educational use.
Ready to level up your myopia control offering at BCLA Asia 2026 in Tokyo? 🚀✨
Discover -our comprehensive myopia control system featuring Menicon Bloom Night™ and Menicon Bloom Day™, designed to support early intervention and help you deliver consistent myopia management.
Menicon Bloom™ brings together, fitting software support, lens care solutions and practical resources that can help streamline chair time and keep follow ups on track. With myopia prevalence rising, starting the conversation early can make a real difference for children’s future. 🌸
Visit the Menicon booth 📍 to say “konnichiwa”👋. We’re looking forward to connecting, sharing solutions, ideas, and discussing what fits your practice best - here in Japan, our home!🏠
Have you registered for our first dedicated webinar designed specifically for students and early-career practitioners - and it’s open to all!
🗓 Tuesday, 28 April
⏰ 7:00pm (online)
“Building Confidence in Contact Lens Practice as a Student and Early Clinician” will be led by Habeeb Rahman and focuses on helping you transition into clinical practice with greater confidence.
Starting out can feel overwhelming, from selecting the right lens to managing patient expectations. This session breaks it all down into a clear, practical approach you can apply straight away.
💡 What you’ll learn:
• A simple framework for selecting and assessing trial lenses
• Strategies to improve patient communication
• Practical techniques to build confidence in everyday practice
You’ll also explore how increased confidence can improve patient comfort, compliance, and overall satisfaction. This session is part of our ongoing commitment to accessible, high-quality education that tackles real-world clinical challenges.
👉 Tag or share with a colleague who would benefit. Open to students, newly qualified clinicians, and anyone in the early stages of their career. Don’t miss it!
13/04/2026
As one of the world’s leading manufacturers of contact lenses, CooperVision is proud to support BCLA Asia 2026 as the Platinum Sponsor.
We are honoured to lead the Myopia Management session, bringing together experts and eye care professionals committed to advancing myopia control across the region.
With childhood myopia rates globally, CooperVision remains focused on the future, investing in innovation, advocating for standards of care, and expanding access to proven solutions. We’re proud to support eye care professionals in reshaping how the world views myopia: not simply as a condition to correct, but a disease to manage.
Join our speakers as they share clinical insights, practical strategies, and the latest developments in myopia control. Let us unite as a professional community to elevate standards of care and help safeguard the vision of the next generation.
Be part of the movement. Join us at BCLA Asia 2026 and advance the myopia management journey together.
New Webinar for Students & Early Career Clinicians
We’re excited to launch our first dedicated webinar designed specifically for students and early-career practitioners - and it’s open to all!
Tuesday, 28 April
7:00pm (online)
“Building Confidence in Contact Lens Practice as a Student and Early Clinician” will be led by Habeeb Rahman and focuses on helping you transition into clinical practice with greater confidence.
Starting out can feel overwhelming, from selecting the right lens to managing patient expectations. This session breaks it all down into a clear, practical approach you can apply straight away.
💡 What you’ll learn:
• A simple framework for selecting and assessing trial lenses
• Strategies to improve patient communication
• Practical techniques to build confidence in everyday practice
You’ll also explore how increased confidence can improve patient comfort, compliance, and overall satisfaction. This session is part of our ongoing commitment to accessible, high-quality education that tackles real-world clinical challenges.
👉 Tag or share with a colleague who would benefit. Open to students, newly qualified clinicians, and anyone in the early stages of their career. Don’t miss it!
18/03/2026
New podcast out now – Seeing the Bigger Picture: Rethinking Presbyopia Through Corneal Techniques
In this episode, Melissa Barnett, OD, FAAO, FSLS, FBCLA, ACC is joined by Jennifer Craig to explore the BCLA Presbyopia Reports, with a particular focus on management through corneal techniques.
Together, they take a deep dive into the clinical approaches available, unpacking the nuances of patient selection and discussing what really drives successful outcomes.
But this conversation goes beyond technique. Melissa and Jennifer also highlight the human side of presbyopia management - the importance of understanding each patient’s lifestyle, expectations, and visual priorities. Because ultimately, success isn’t just about the procedure itself - it’s about aligning clinical decisions with individual needs.
Support your patients with the BCLA’s Presbyopia Fact Sheet!
Are your patients starting to struggle with close-up tasks like reading or scrolling on their phones? Presbyopia is a natural part of ageing - but for many, the first signs can feel confusing and frustrating.
The BCLA Presbyopia Patient Fact Sheet, supported by the latest research published in BCLA CLEAR™ Presbyopia, is designed to help you provide clear, accessible information alongside your expert care.
✔️ Educates & reassures – Explains presbyopia as a common, age-related vision change
✔️ Sets expectations – Outlines symptoms, causes, and what patients can expect
✔️ Encourages proactive conversations – Supports tailored care discussions
✔️ Promotes informed choices – Clearly explains all correction options
Help your patients feel informed, supported, and confident in managing their changing vision - with your guidance every step of the way. You can download from the BCLA website.
We’re thrilled to announce that the BCLA Clinical Conference & Exhibition returns to ICC Birmingham on Saturday 19 – Sunday 20 June 2027, celebrating 50 years of leadership, innovation and global collaboration in contact lenses and the anterior eye.
What to expect:
🔹 High-quality education and hands-on clinical learning
🔹 World-leading experts and cutting-edge research
🔹 Interactive workshops, peer review and case discussions
🔹 Exhibition featuring the latest technologies and clinical solutions
🔹 Patient-focused clinical training
🔹 Research posters and scientific presentations
🎊 BCLA Celebrates – a fantastic awards evening recognising professional excellence and welcoming new Fellows
🏆 BCLA Medals and Research Awards within the main scientific programme
Beyond the education, this landmark event is your chance to connect with peers, engage with exhibitors, celebrate the profession and reflect on five decades of BCLA’s journey.
More details on programme themes, speakers and registration will be coming soon - but for now, mark your calendar and plan to join us for this unforgettable anniversary celebration!
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when BCLA posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
As a membership organisation, the BCLA provides a wide range of benefits to help members at all stages of their educational and professional career access a range of high quality resources. We provide members with a continual stream of relevant information as well as the opportunity to communicate with others involved with contact lenses, whatever their role.
The BCLA also runs a number of free and discounted events throughout the year for members and non members. The highly regarded Clinical Conference and Exhibition is now a biennial event which welcomes on average more than 1,200 UK and international delegates. We are pleased to introduce a new event for 2016; BCLA UK aimed to increase confidence amongst UK based eye care practitioners who want to improve their contact lens fitting skills and knowledge.
Our Vision
To be the leading resource gateway for the contact lens community.
Our Mission
To educate, interact and promote growth within the field of contact lenses and related areas.
History of the BCLA
The BCLA has come a long way since it was formed in 1977 by a collaboration and amalgamation of the four major bodies in the UK concerned with the then relatively specialised practice of contact lenses.
The main objectives of the BCLA at that time were to provide for the advancement of knowledge in the field of contact lens practice and encourage teaching and research in the field. The BCLA has remained steadfast in its commitment to meeting these objectives.
Our mission today is to educate, interact and promote growth within the field of contact lenses and related areas. It is also our vision to be the leading resource gateway for the contact lens community. Membership of the BCLA has grown from 656 in 1978 to 1,800 by the end of 2015.
The first-ever BCLA conference was held in Torquay in 1977 with around 150 delegates attending. Today, the Clinical Conference and Exhibition is a globally recognised event attracting more than 1,000 visitors and delegates from the UK and overseas. It is the BCLA's flagship event and we are very proud of its continuing success and development.
Read more information about the history of the BCLA in 'The British Contact Lens Association: The first 30 years' (2007) by Andrew Gasson and Tim Bowden.
