The first ever BCLA clinical conference to be held in Manchester was a great success with over 1000 delegates attending over the weekend. A world class line up of speakers ensured their was something of interest for all delegates over the extended 4 day programme. As platinum sponsor again this year CIBA VISION^® was heavily involved in the clinical programme, trade exhibition and social activities.

Clinical Round Up

This year’s BCLA provided a rich vein of research that advanced the understanding of eye care professionals across a range of topics. Some key messages presented include

• In the BCLA medal address Professor Dwight Cavanagh presented the findings that hypoxia alone does not make corneal epithelial cells bind Pseudomonas but that the presence of preservatives in solutions can increase bacterial binding
• Keynote speaker Professor Earl Smith III led a number of speakers in the myopia research session, and highlighted the lack of success of traditional methods to control myopia and the importance of the emmetropisation process
• Professor Pat Caroline reinforced the importance of adopting technology into everyday practice and championed the role of made to order Gas Permeable lenses in the future of contact lenses
• Professor Louis Catania proposed the importance of aberrometry in the consulting room, with the caveats - that trying to correct any less than 0.4RMS of spherical aberration will not be noticed by patients, and that at age 19 most patients’ corneal spherical aberration is actually cancelled out by that of the lens
• Lens care products were again a popular area of discussion– several presentations highlighted the importance of using the right disinfection system with silicone hydrogel lenses. Peroxide disinfection came out as most suitable to minimise staining as well as a lower incidence of corneal infiltrative events. ReNu Multiplus does seem to result in a higher incidence of corneal staining with various silicone hydrogel materials compared to other MPS systems¹
• Silicone hydrogels have not resulted in the reduction in incidence of Microbial Keratitis that many expected, although do seem to reduce the severity of individual cases. Patient compliance was identified as a risk factor and early diagnosis and treatment are key to minimising the risk of a poor outcome.

AIR OPTIX Individual™ Takes ‘Maiden Flight’

CIBA VISION’s main theme at the conference was of course around the launch of AIR OPTIX Individual. An exhibition stand shaped and themed as an aeroplane, including a working flight simulator for delegates to try their hand, provided quite a contrasting atmosphere to the formal setting of the lecture theatre.

Professor Lyndon Jones and Mark Draper presented on the clinical performance of UK AIR OPTIX Individual. Among the results presented by Professor Jones was a case study of a 7 year old boy successfully fitted with a +20D lens, whose case history resulted in many teary eyes in the audience.

A competition linked to the flight simulator was won by DO Andrew Munson, who receives £200 of flight vouchers.

£2500 holiday won by UK optometrist

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of innovation with Focus^® DAILIES^® birthday cake and champagne were served on the CIBA VISION stand, whilst delegates were given the chance to win their choice from ten holidays in a prize draw. The lucky winner, optometrist Richard Arnold from Petersfield opted for a trip to a luxury chateau in Provence. A bottle of champagne was also awarded to each of the 10 runners up in the prize draw.

Practice management advice featured too

Practice management expert Dr Gary Gerber presented innovative advice on how practitioners can launch a new product into practice and differentiate themselves from their competitors. His unique presentation style captivated delegates and provided quite a contrast to the highly clinical presentations going on over the weekend.

The two-part session began with Gary explaining that patients will often draw comparisons between their optician’s practice and the conveniences of life in the twenty first century. The challenge for practitioners is not only rival practices but also the everyday technology, high-tech transport and latest entertainment, which raises patient expectations. Therefore, a modern practice must embrace new technologies in terms of both patient service and contact lens products.

In his second session Dr Gerber focussed on how practitioners should avoid giving patients a list of all possible options but instead recommend the best solution for their needs. More details of his advice will feature in future email editions of Contacts In Practice, as he will be exclusively writing for Contacts In Practice throughout this year, providing practical guidance on how eye care professionals can stand out from the crowd.

Next year the BCLA will return to Birmingham once more.

1 Andrasco, G, www.staininggrid.com