Do you have a spare 17 or more weeks to read the major contact lens publications? If not, this session will highlight cutting edge thinking in contact lens research by focussing on the key findings from a critical appraisal of the contact lens literature (BCLA CLEAR) and the latest special edition of Contact Lens and Anterior Eye (the scientific journal of the BCLA), which featured papers on specialty contact lenses. The session aims to provide an evidence-based contact lens practice approach, to maximise success with a broad range of contact lenses from mass produced soft lenses to specialty custom-made lenses and to promote the delivery of best patient care. It will also cover broader aspects including the potential impact on eye and the latest contact lenses technologies that ensure the most optimal contact lens is selected for each individual and the panel will discuss aspects from fundamental practice guidance to specialist lenses aspects.
Marco van Beusekom BOptom, FIACLE
Marco van Beusekom has worked in the optical industry since 1985 and since then specialised in contact lens fitting with a preference for elective contact lens applications. He is a frequently invited speaker at national and international conferences such as BCLA, GSLS and NCC. In 2008 he received an honorary membership of the Dutch Contact Lens association (ANVC) and in 2017 he earned the Jan Kok medal for his contribution to promotion and education in the contact lens field. Since 2011, Marco has been working as a Professional Education & Development Manager for Johnson & Johnson Vision responsible for the DACH and Benelux region.
Neil Retallic FBCLA, FIACLE
Neil Retallic is an optometrist who has experience working within practice, education, and professional services roles. He is the President of the BCLA, Head of Professional Development at Specsavers and an Assessor and Examiner for the College of Optometrists. Previously he worked in the contact lens industry progressing from UK to global level professional services roles. He has been involved with various organisations across the sector and is currently part of the GOC Education Committee, and a Past Chair of the British and Irish University and College Contact Lens Educators. He has been awarded fellowships from the BCLA and IACLE.
Eef van der Worp, Optometrist PhD FAAO FIACLE FBCLA FSLS
Eef is an educator, writer and researcher. He received his optometry degree at the Hogeschool van Utrecht in the Netherlands (NL) and his PhD at the University of Maastricht (NL) in 2008. He is on the education committee for a number of international conferences, including the Global Specialty Lens Symposium (GSLS) - and is a board member of the BCLA journal Contact Lens & Anterior Eye. He runs his own research & education consultancy 'Eye-Contact-Lens' based in Amsterdam (NL) and is affiliated as adjunct professor with Pacific University College of Optometry (Oregon, USA) and the University of Montreal University College of Optometry (CA).
Karin van Hees-Teuben, BSc
Mrs. Van Hees graduated from the University of Applied Sciences in Utrecht, The Netherlands in 2010. She has been working with one of the leading Dutch contact lens practices ever since, with a focus on specialty lenses and myopia control. She’s chair of the Contact Lens Committee of the Dutch Association of Optometry (OVN), an ambassador for contact lens safety and myopia control, and a frequently invited speaker for (inter)national conferences.