SKILLS WORKSHOP

3 CPD

Soft custom contact lenses - A last resort or a panacea?

About the session

CPD ref: C-108542

Description

The first section will be a discussion on why ‘one size doesn’t fit all’ and how by fitting patients to lenses rather than fitting lenses to patients we may be contributing to the challenge of retaining those patients. We will focus on Dr Eef Van Der Worp’s work on corneal measurements with video and images demonstrating the result of sub optimal fitting lenses. 

The second part includes a practical session which will give the delegates an opportunity to measure HVID using different methods, how to calculate the sagittal height of the cornea enabling the practitioner to choose the optimal lens for the patient and finally a hands-on fitting session to compare lenses on eye of different diameters and base curves.

Target audience

  • Optometrist
  • Contact Lens Optician.

Domains and learning outcomes

Clinical practice

Registrants will have an enhanced understanding of the minimum standards assessments and examinations required in the fit and supply of contact lenses.

Registrants will have an enhanced understanding of the importance of comprehensive record keeping relating to soft contact lens fitting.

Communication

Registrants will explore how to best communicate the appropriate contact lens options using patient-friendly language.

Specialty CPD - contact lens optician

Registrants will explore their role in providing a comprehensive tailored contact lens recommendation for a broad range of refractive corrections.

Chair

Neil Retallic FBCLA MCOptom Prof Cert LV

Neil is an optometrist with experience of working within practice, education, industry, and professional services roles. He is currently the Head of Professional Development at Specsavers and a College of Optometrist Assessor and Examiner.

He has been involved with numerous organisations across the sector as a council, committee and/or executive board member and is the Immediate Past President of the British Contact Lens Association and part of the General Optical Council Education Committee.

He is a passionate educator and has created, published, and delivered education across the globe. He has received fellowships from the British Contact Lens Association and International Association of Contact Lens Educators and is currently completing a part-time PhD on health and well-being aspects among the profession. He has actively participated in charity work with Vision Aid Overseas and Special Olympics.

Speaker

Jim Dickson MBCLA

Jim is a highly experienced CLO with over 30 years experience in contact lens fitting. He was a key member of the professional affairs team at Alcon before moving to Mark’ennovy to take up the role of Head of Professional Affairs in the UK & Ireland. He has written and delivered CPD/CET for major industry events as well as delivering in-practice training on contact lens retention, multifocal fitting and dry eye disease, he has a reputation for being an engaging and enthusiastic presenter.

Facilitators 

Karin Brown-Balvert MBCLA

Karin Brown-Balvert is a contact lens optician. She has worked in both independent and multiple practices before moving into the supplier side of the industry. She now works for Eaglet Eye as Professional Affairs Manager, with the responsibility of training new users on Profilometry.

Francisco Mateos

Francisco Mateos is Head of Professional Affairs for Euclid Vision Group EMEA. He is a GOC registered Optometrist and has practiced in the UK, Netherlands, and his home country of Spain. He is an engaging speaker and has a wealth of knowledge particularly in the field of custom-made soft lenses.

David Smithwick MBCLA

Dave Smithwick is a CLO with over 25 years’ experience. He was lead CLO at the highly successful Exeter Specsavers for many years before joining the Alcon Professional Affairs team. Dave is currently a Regional Sales Manager for Mark’ennovy in the Southwest of England, the Midlands and Wales. His enthusiasm and experience make any training session that he is involved in particularly engaging and memorable.