New conference collaboration

The College of Optometrists and British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) have announced a new conference collaboration.

Taking place from 28-29 April at the Telford International Centre, Optometry Tomorrow 2024 will bring together the College’s flagship conference and BCLA Focus – giving delegates the opportunity to attend lectures from both.

Parallel programmes will provide GOC-registered eyecare professionals with a choice of around 120 CPD sessions across two days.

Luke Stevens-Burt, BCLA chief executive, said: “With an expected attendance of more than 700 eyecare professionals, and a dedicated exhibition featuring around 30 companies, this is sure to be one of the key dates in the optical calendar next year.

“We are looking forward to working closely alongside the College of Optometrists to deliver a two-day conference packed with the very latest learnings that can have a real-world impact in everyday practice. There will be an opportunity to apply for BCLA Fellowships, for which submissions are opening soon, and will be presented at the event in April,” Luke added.

Ian Humphreys, chief executive of the College of Optometrists, commented: “We are thrilled to mark the 20th anniversary of Optometry Tomorrow by integrating BCLA Focus into our annual conference, further strengthening our programme and giving delegates even greater access to CPD, research and good practice.

“This innovative approach will allow us to bring our clinical conference to a broader audience and provide an even wider programme for our members. We are looking forward to the opportunities this exciting collaboration provides,” Ian added. 2024 is the final year of the current CPD cycle and delegates will be able to collect an average of 15 CPD points over the weekend, ticking off all four CPD domains and gaining contact lens optician and therapeutics specialty points.

Early bird bookings are due to open in September, with a dedicated website.