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This week we hosted a contact lens masterclass run by the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO). Nearly 30 contact lens opticians (CLOs) enjoyed a lecture, skills and discussion workshops and a visual recognition test.

The event aimed to develop practitioners’ skills in specialist areas, from fitting prosthetic and scleral lenses to using OCT imaging and more. They were able to gain up to 12 interactive CPD points.

One delegate, Lesley-Johann Deeming, said “Gaining knowledge for better fitting of contact lenses is always essential” no matter how advanced or experienced you are. The course provided “excellent content and information”. 

Another said she had been thinking of stopping fitting scleral lenses but was going back with renewed enthusiasm. One CLO reported she gained the confidence to start to fit more complex lenses. Delegates also said the day was “full of great insights and detailed information”.

Alex Webster, ABDO’s head of CPD, said: “It was great to see CLOs thoroughly engaged and interacting in all the sessions. I hope they are able to take their new knowledge and skills back to practice, start getting out of their comfort zone in contact lenses and feel they can offer patients a wider range of solutions.”

The CLOs were from a mixture of multiple and independent practices and ranged from newly qualified to experienced professionals. They used our 5th floor clinical bays and lecture area.

Martin Conway, who leads professional services at Contamac, ran the day. He brought teams from Cantor & Nissle, No 7 Contact Lenses and Ultravision. The facilitators included ABDO contact lens examiner Keith Williams.

The ABDO CPD team runs contact lens masterclasses two to three times a year here at the NRC.