BCLA transforms membership scheme

Delegates at the BCLA clinical conference

The British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) has overhauled its membership structure in a bid to make the organisation more accessible and relevant to practitioners.  

Five new membership categories went live from 1 June in the first phase of a wider strategic transformation. The changes are designed to widen access, support career development and strengthen collaboration across the eyecare profession. 

There are four core categories for UK-based practitioners: 

• Student
• Newly qualified
• Associate  
• Full
• Plus new international membership rates

The Transform programme promises to open more of the BCLA’s education, events and professional development opportunities to a broader audience of eyecare professionals. 

BCLA chief executive, Brad Parkes, said: “The profession continues to evolve rapidly and the BCLA must evolve with it. ‘Transform’ is about creating greater access to education, professional support and evidence-based resources for practitioners at every stage of their careers. We want to support a more connected profession that ultimately delivers better outcomes for patients.” 

Student membership offers access to a wide range of educational resources for a one-off fee covering the full study period. The newly-qualified category supports practitioners during the first two years of practice with reduced-cost access to professional development opportunities. 

Associate membership has also been introduced to provide flexible access to BCLA resources, webinars and certificated courses for professionals working outside direct contact lens practice, or those seeking a more tailored level of engagement. 

The full membership category will continue to provide comprehensive access to BCLA resources, conferences, networking opportunities and fellowship pathways. 

Some BCLA courses and services will now be available on a fee-paid basis to non-members, broadening access to specialist education in areas including myopia management, dry eye, presbyopia and contact lenses. 

For more details visit the BCLA website.