The British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) is an educational and scientific membership orgnisation.
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 are delighted to announce the sponsors for BCLA Asia 2026
Our Platinum Sponsors are CooperVision Japan, Inc. , Menicon Co., Ltd., and OPHTECS CORPORATION, and our Gold Sponsor is EssilorLuxottica.
BCLA Asia 2026 would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors and exhibitors. Their commitment plays a vital role in enabling the delivery of a high-quality clinical and scientific programme, while supporting opportunities for learning, collaboration and innovation throughout the conference. We are truly grateful for their continued support of BCLA Asia and the wider contact lens community.
Working in partnership with the Japan Contact Lens Society (JCLS), we are delighted to present BCLA Asia 2026 in Tokyo, Japan. The meeting will feature a dedicated BCLA Asia stream on 29 May, followed by the JCLS Annual Meeting on 30–31 May, bringing together global experts to share the latest research, clinical insights and innovations in contact lens and anterior eye health.
We look forward to welcoming our sponsors and exhibitors to Tokyo and thank them for their valued contribution to BCLA Asia 2026.
New Contact Lens Practice Guidance - Deliver Patient Care with Confidence & Clarity
The new BCLA CLEAR™ Contact Lens Practice Guidance is here to support eye care professionals at every stage of the patient journey. From the initial assessment and clinical examination to measurements and ongoing aftercare.
By using this guidance, you’ll gain:
✅ Comprehensive support – Step-by-step guidance for patient assessment, examination, and aftercare to ensure safe, effective, patient-centred care.
✅ Evidence-based recommendations – Developed as part of the BCLA CLEAR™ initiative, reflecting the latest research and best practice in fitting, monitoring, and managing complications.
✅ Practical tools for every professional – Ideal for students, new practitioners, and experienced clinicians alike, with checklists, clinical tips, and troubleshooting advice for real-world scenarios.
✅ Enhanced patient outcomes – Optimise lens selection, identify and address patient needs, and support long-term comfort, safety, and satisfaction.
Download the BCLA CLEAR™ Contact Lens Practice Guidance series today and take your contact lens care to the next level. You can also share this with colleagues and students to support more successful contact lens fits.
Great meet-up with BCLA Student Ambassadors, kindly hosted by Piyus Tanna at Menicon earlier this week.
Students received updates on the BCLA student offer and Menicon products, followed by an informative lab tour, seeing specialist contact lenses made to order, from production through to despatch.
The group shared some excellent promotion ideas and also received valuable presentation tips from BCLA CEO Brad Parkes.
05/02/2026
New resource available now on the BCLA website
The BCLA CLEAR™ Presbyopia video brings together the latest science, insights, and clinical guidance in one clear, engaging overview.
Drawing on the internationally recognised BCLA CLEAR™ consensus papers, this video explores how presbyopia is defined, evaluated, and managed today - and why that matters for everyday clinical practice.
Inside the video:
• Global trends in prevalence, unmet near vision needs, and key risk factors
• A practical, step-by-step approach to presbyopia assessment and diagnosis
• Modern spectacle and contact lens strategies, including multifocals, monovision, and EDOF technologies
• Clinical considerations such as contrast sensitivity and ocular dominance
Whether you want to strengthen patient conversations, refine your prescribing decisions, or deepen your understanding of presbyopia, this video delivers clarity you can apply with confidence.
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!
Now Available in Arabic - BCLA CLEAR™ Presbyopia Summary Report
We’re pleased to share that a new Arabic translation of the BCLA CLEAR™ Presbyopia Summary Report is now ready to download.
To help make the insights from BCLA CLEAR™ Presbyopia accessible to as many eye care professionals as possible, the official Summary Report has been translated into multiple languages. This supports wider global reach and helps ensure understanding and implementation of the latest evidence-based research - no matter where you practise.
The report along with other resources is available to full members of the BCLA. Non-members can also now access this key resource in Arabic and stay informed on the latest guidance in presbyopia management. You will need to create an account to access - Full details are on the site.
Kick off 2026 with a look at what’s next for the BCLA
In our first episode of the year, Karin Brown-Balvert and Fakhruddin Barodawala sit down with Brad Parkes, CEO of the BCLA, to discuss the association’s long-term vision and what lies ahead for members.
From upcoming membership changes to making the most of the BCLA’s extensive resource library, Brad shares valuable insights for eye care professionals looking to elevate their practice in the year ahead.
This year, let’s celebrate the curiosity that drives clinical change, the collaborations that power research, and the education that transforms clinical practice. As I shared in my presidential address, Eyes on the Journey, the future of our profession depends not only on technology, but on the people who ask bold questions and lift each other along the way.
We have some exciting announcements coming your way as we start to plan for our 50th Anniversary Celebrations in 2027!
Whether you’re a student, researcher, practitioner, or industry partner, your voice matters. Let’s make 2026 a year of shared learning, brave thinking, and meaningful progress.
19/12/2025
As we wind down for the year, we’d love to take a moment to look back on what has been an amazing year for the BCLA.
To our members, partners, speakers, sponsors, and supporters - thank you for being part of our journey and for your continued commitment to advancing contact lens and anterior eye practice.
This year, we were proud to host our flagship clinical conference, bringing our community together to learn, share, and innovate. We were also delighted to welcome Brad Parkes as our new CEO, marking an exciting new chapter for the Association.
With so much momentum behind us, we’re looking ahead to an exciting year ahead and can’t wait to share what’s next. Thank you for being part of the BCLA community, we look forward to continuing the journey together.
Here’s to reflecting on an incredible year and gearing up for an even brighter one ahead.
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.
