Sunshine in May means the B.C.L.A.

So goes the old optometrists’ wives tale meaning that May brings around the annual British Contact Lens Association Clinical Conference which almost always combines with a good weather weekend.

This is the major contact lens conference in the world and is held over 4 days attracting over 1000 delegates (more than half from abroad) in various venues around the UK – this year we are in Manchester. Family commitments being what they are, Ian is only down for 1 night this year.

As a Fellow of the BCLA and recognised contact lens specialist, I’ve been asked to present an “interesting and challenging case” in the ‘Grand Rounds’ session. Not to give the game away, I won’t tell you what it’s about and it’s not too late to book in as a day delegate for tomorrow…my session is at 1.30pm in the main Exchange Auditorium.

As well as all the latest contact lens research from around the world, companies launch new products and it’s a chance to meet up with other specialists to discuss in nerdy detail all about contact lenses – just my cup of tea!

It’s easy to get too wrapped up in self importance at such conferences and it did me no harm to have a short taxi ride today where the cabbie asked why I was in Manchester:

“A contact lens conference” I say
“Really? Oh right…[Pause]…How long is it?”
“4 days” I reply
“4 days?!? What do you talk about????!”

Quite…