Global Member Newsletter November 2023

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MEMBERSHIP PERKS IN OCTOBER

Register for our upcoming Virtual Conference

We thank all our members who attended our 6th Virtual Conference themed ‘Integrating myopia management into teaching’ and our speakers for their valuable insights into this topic. We also thank all our sponsors for their continued support that allows us to host these events. We look forward to future virtual conferences in the coming year.

Access the conference recordingsRead a post-meeting report

The 2023 Fellowship Exam takes place this month

Next week, almost 170 IACLE members globally are scheduled to sit the 2023 IACLE Fellowship Exam, the only internationally recognized method of assessing the contact lens knowledge of eye care professionals. This is the second time IACLE members will undertake the exam virtually via IACLETOP. The exam is available in five languages: Bahasa, Chinese, English, Korean and Spanish. 

It is crucial that all exam candidates are aware of the timing of their respective exams and complete the compulsory mock exam by Friday 17 November. On Monday 20 November, members who have not downloaded the software and run the mock exam will be withdrawn from the exam. They will receive an email informing them of their exam cancellation (no refund will be given). Please get in touch with Professor Craig Woods if you have any questions or concerns. We wish all exam candidates the best of luck! 

Access the Fellowship Exam Area


NEWS IN NOVEMBER

Image of the Month

Madhumathi Subramanian from Sankara Nethralaya in Chennai, India, captured the above images of a 20-year-old male who experienced a chemical injury to his eye around 1.5 years ago, which resulted in partial limbal stem cell deficiency and associated nebula macular haze affecting the visual axis and underwent treatment using the Boston PROSE device in his left eye. The slit lamp examination revealed central corneal haze and corneal vascularization (pictured left). The UCVA was measured at 6/60 but improved to a BCVA of 6/18 with mild foggy vision after using the PROSE device. Upon returning for a review visit after one year, a subsequent examination showed a centrally clear cornea. With the continued use of the Boston PROSE, the BCVA improved significantly from 6/60 to 6/6 with enhanced clarity (pictured right).  

Would you like to feature in next month’s Image of the Month? Submit your image here

Renew your IACLE membership now to receive all benefits

Thank you to all our members who have already renewed their membership for 2024. We have exciting plans for the year ahead and look forward to delivering more programs, resources, and events. A kind reminder that access to our full membership benefits – including the resources and programs within IACLETOP and all resources and events – is exclusively available for IACLE members. Please note that IACLE membership runs annually and expires when payment is not received. Therefore, please renew your membership by 31 December 2023. Please note the IACLE Offices are closed from 23 December – 2 January. If you have any questions regarding membership renewal, please contact your IACLE Representative. 

More information on renewing your membership


RESOURCE

Study evaluates diagnosis tests for dry eye

This new study aimed to assess the accuracy of various clinical tests in diagnosing dry eye disease. The Bayes-Price rule and beta distribution estimated specificity and sensitivity values for different tests. Corneal staining had the highest diagnostic probability (0.28), while the ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire had the lowest (0.14). Combining tests improved accuracy, with the 5-item dry eye questionnaire (DEQ-5) + corneal staining yielding the best results (0.42). The study recommends performing multiple tests to reduce misdiagnosis risk, emphasizing the importance of conjunctival and corneal staining in future guidelines. 

Access the study

CORE release TFOS Lifestyle Report infographics

The Centre for Ocular Research and Education (CORE) has recently published summaries of the Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society (TFOS) Lifestyle Reports. These concise summaries, comprising informative infographics, promote a better understanding among the global eye care community and their patients. Covering topics such as the impact of contact lenses, cosmetics, and digital environments, the eight information sheets provide insights into their impact on the ocular surface.

Access the infographics


WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR REGIONS?

AMERICAS

IACLE Americas lead contact lens workshop

At the Congress of Optics and Contact Lenses in Paraguay, IACLE Americas Regional Coordinator Professor Guillermo Carrillo conducted a soft contact lens workshop focusing on fitting considerations and assessment. The workshop targeted students from the TESĀ institution, with IACLE member Miguel Garcia organizing approximately 50 participants. Johnson & Johnson and Alcon provided support with trial contact lenses and solutions. TESĀ educators actively participated in the three-hour workshop, and Dr Antonella Postiglione from Johnson & Johnson and Gloria Villalba from Alcon were also involved. 

Read the full Americas report

2023 Americas CL Educator of the Year visits AAO

As part of winning the 2023 Americas IACLE Contact Lens Educator of the Year AwardDr Myriam Teresa Mayorga (pictured above) from La Salle University in Colombia attended the American Academy of Optometry in New Orleans, supported by Gold Sponsor CooperVision. During the meeting, Dr Mayorga saw the latest developments in contact lenses, myopia management, visual function, pediatrics, general optometry and other related topics. ‘It was a great experience on a professional, academic, and personal level. Thank you again IACLE for this opportunity to improve my teaching skills’, said Dr Mayorga.

Applications for the 2024 IACLE Awards open in the new year

ASIA PACIFIC

Contact Lens Awareness Campaign at SEGi University

In October, students from the SEGi Optometry Club orchestrated an event at SEGi University in Malaysia, promoting safe and hygienic contact lens wear among students and staff (3-4 October), emphasizing the importance of proper dispensing by eye care professionals. Over 100 individuals were screened during the two-day event, and over 60 were scheduled for new contact lens fittings and aftercare examinations at SEGi Eye Care. This initiative was made possible through the support of Oculus Shd Bhd.

Menicon host workshop at SEGi University

Menicon Regional Professional Affairs Manager Jess Ooi organized a Menicon Rose K2 XL workshop at SEGi University to introduce the lenses and fitting procedures to eye care practitioners and final year students (16 October). IACLE Director and Lecturer at SEGi University Fakhruddin Barodawala presented two clinical cases from SEGi Eye Care, followed by a live fitting session. The event was attended by around 25 eye care practitioners from the Klang Valley in Malaysia and 18 SEGi University students and staff. 

IACLE Ambassador updates in Pakistan

Newly appointed IACLE Ambassador FIACLE Mutahir Shah, along with other FIACLEs and the Pakistan Optometric Society (POS), organized a series of workshops and awareness campaigns across optometry institutions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir in September and October. Mutahir says, ‘the sessions enriched students’ knowledge of contact lenses and myopia management, thereby significantly contributing to eye health education throughout KP, Punjab, and AJK’. The collective efforts of FIACLEs and the involvement of POS representatives have undoubtedly enhanced the success of these events, benefiting students and educational institutions across the region. Well done to all involved.

Are you attending the International STEAM Conference?

We are interested to know if any of our members plan to attend the 1st International Conference on Advanced STEAM Education Challenges and Opportunities at the University of Faisalabad in Pakistan on 5-6 December. The conference brings together leading experts and practitioners to deliberate on the emerging opportunities and challenges in the intersection of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education and various disciplines. IACLE Ambassador Dr Memoona Arshad will be available at a dedicated IACLE booth to discuss contact lens education and IACLE membership. If you are attending and would like to meet with fellow IACLE members or would like to learn more about IACLE, please get in touch with Memoona via iacle@iacle.org.

EUROPE / AFRICA / MIDDLE EAST

FIACLE hosts meeting in Saudi Arabia

FIACLE Dr Yazan Gammoh facilitated an IACLE meeting at the 8th Saudi Society of Optometry Conference in Saudi Arabia, where more than 100 participants were introduced to FIACLE. Six IACLE members from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Sudan, Jordan, Iran, and Algeria were present. IACLE thanks Dr Yazan Gammoh and IACLE Middle East Ambassador FIACLE Dr May Bakkar for their help with arranging the IACLE update and members’ meeting. More details

Lebanese University students sit STE

FIACLE Mohamad Hamade from the Lebanese University in Beirut has recently used IACLE’s Student Trial Exam (STE) with his students. Pictured above, Sarah Omar TarabainSara Hussein Saad and Mayssaa Ahmad Dbouk (l-r) successfully completed the STE in September. 

Would you like your students to take the Student Trial Exam? The IACLE Student Area allows educators to produce individual teaching content and assessments, including the Student Trial Exam and Basic Student Trial Exam. As a way for our members to explore this resource and evaluate the impact on your teaching, we offer complimentary one-year access to a Student Area for those who have not yet registered. 

For more information on IACLE Student Areas

Upcoming conference in Rome

Are you planning to attend the Accademia Italiana Lenti a Contatto in Rome, Italy, on 19-20 November? IACLE Regional Director Dr Fabrizio Zeri is hosting a 30-minute meeting for both current IACLE members and those interested in becoming members. Dr Zeri invites you to attend this session in the conference hall on 20 November at 12:30 pm. For more information, please contact Siobhan Allen at s.allen@iacle.org.

Upcoming conference in Muscat

IACLE Middle East Ambassador FIACLE Dr May Bakkar are presenting an update on IACLE at the 17th International Congress of The Middle East Africa Council of Ophthalmology from 29 November to 2 December in Muscat, Oman. If you are attending and would like to meet with fellow IACLE members in your region, please get in touch by emailing Siobhan Allen at s.allen@iacle.org.


DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

IACLE TLC (Teach. Learn. Connect) WEBINARS 

Visit the IACLE Webinars area on IACLETOP to view the schedule for upcoming webinars.

GLOBAL MEETINGS IN THE COMING MONTHS 

The 17th International Congress of the Middle East Africa Council of Ophthalmology / 19th Muscat International Ophthalmology Conference (MIOC 2023), Muscat, Oman, 29 November – 2 December. Details.  

GLOBAL MEETINGS IN 2024 

Global Specialty Lens Symposium (GSLS), Las Vegas, USA, 17-20 January. Details

50th EFCLIN Congress and Exhibition, Algarve, Portugal, 25-27 April. Details

IACLE IS SPONSORED BY

6th IACLE Virtual Conference

There’s still time to register for our upcoming Virtual Conference

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We look forward to you joining us on Saturday 21 October for our 6th Virtual Conference themed ‘Incorporating myopia management into teaching’. The half-day event takes place via Zoom from 12:00 – 3:00 pm UK (BST). Registered members will receive the Zoom login details via email.

Find out what time the conference begins in your time zone

Register here

The theme for our Virtual Conference reflects the growing global concern regarding the increasing prevalence of myopia. The conference aims to provide insights into how myopia management can be integrated into curricula and will cover various aspects of this integration, including practical topics like setting up clinics and labs, clarifying the roles of both students and educators, keeping up to date with the latest research and literature in the field, effectively promoting clinics, and counselling children and parents on myopia management strategies. 

The agenda features world renowned experts who will share their knowledge, experiences, and expertise. 

Additionally, the conference will include two panel discussions hosted by Chair and IACLE Director Dr Byki Huntjens and Co-Chair and IACLE Secretary / Treasurer Dr Etty Bitton where they will engage with the speakers and facilitate discussions on the conference topics. These segments of the conference will be live streamed to our Facebook page for students and non-members.  

We look forward to your participation. 

View the agenda


IACLE IS SPONSORED BY

Global Member Newsletter October 2023

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عربي – 中国人 – Français – 한국인 – Português – Español

MEMBERSHIP PERKS IN OCTOBER

Register for our upcoming Virtual Conference

Our 6th Virtual Conference is taking place in just over two weeks on Saturday 21 October from 12:00 – 3:00 pm UK (BST) themed ‘Incorporating myopia management into teaching’. The theme reflects the growing global concern regarding the increasing prevalence of myopia. The half-day event aims to provide insights into how myopia management can be integrated into curricula. 

Find out what time the conference begins in your time zone

The agenda features world renowned experts who will share their knowledge, experiences, and expertise. Additionally, Chair and IACLE Director Dr Byki Huntjens and Co-Chair and IACLE Secretary / Treasurer Dr Etty Bitton will host two panel discussions where they will engage with the speakers and facilitate discussions on the conference topics. We encourage our members to inform their students of the panel discussion segments as they will be live streamed to our Facebook page

Register here – view the agenda

Would you like to be an IACLE Ambassador?

We recently announced the launch of the IACLE Ambassador Program that enables our members to volunteer their assistance and expertise in countries where we do not have dedicated IACLE staff. This program is aimed at facilitating the expansion of our global presence and advancing our mission to enhance contact lens education worldwide. Typically, the process for selecting an IACLE Ambassador involves identification and appointment by the IACLE Board or staff. However, members who aspire to take on this role should also feel encouraged to express their interest and apply to become an IACLE Ambassador. Please note, this is a voluntary position. 

For more information and criteria


IACLETOP UPDATE

Final Fellowship Exam workshop before the exam

The final IACLE Fellowship Exam workshop takes place on Thursday 26 October, and recordings of previous workshops are available via the Fellowship Exam Area within IACLETOP. A reminder that all exam participants must display their photo ID to their device’s camera when administering the exam. The name on the photo ID must match the name used during registration. Failure to meet this requirement could lead to withholding exam results. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Siobhan Allen at s.allen@iacle.org for assistance.

Access the Fellowship Exam Area


NEWS IN SEPTEMBER

Image of the Month

Professor Nora León Rodríguez from Universidade do Contestado in Mafra, Brazil, captured the above image using a mobile phone equipped with a slit lamp. The image showcases a routine eye examination of a young patient who presented with 20/20 visual acuity in both eyes. The examination revealed the presence of bilateral congenital cataracts during biomicroscopy. 

Would you like to feature in next month’s Image of the Month? Submit your image here

IACLE India hosts member meeting in Pune

The IACLE India members’ meeting took place on 16-17 September 2023 at the College of Optometry, PBMA’s H.V Desai Eye Hospital in Pune, India. The event saw the participation of 40 members representing 23 institutions from across India, including both new and experienced members. The agenda for the two-day meeting featured presentations on teaching presbyopic contact lens fitting, using technology and social media in contact lens education, and addressing discomfort and dry eye holistically. Strategies for student motivation were also discussed, along with a demonstration and discussion on IACLE resources. Read the full meeting report


RESOURCE

Axial length and spherical equivalent changes in high myopia

This longitudinal study examined axial length and spherical equivalent changes in children and adolescents with high myopia, along with associated risk factors. Over the seven-year follow up period, the average axial length increased by 0.13 mm per year, while the spherical equivalent decreased by 0.36 diopters per year. Notably, myopia progression slowed after age 11, increased with a higher baseline spherical equivalent, and was accelerated in those with pathological myopia at baseline. 

Read the study


WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR REGIONS?

AMERICAS

IACLE at upcoming conferences in Latin America

IACLE Americas Regional Coordinator Professor Guillermo Carrillo has been invited to speak at the 9th International Conference in Optometry hosted by Guayas College of Optometry (19-21 October). This event allows for networking with Ecuadorian IACLE members, supported by travel and accommodation. Additionally, the Paraguay Association of Optics and Related (APOYA) has invited Professor Carrillo to lecture at their congress in Asuncion, Paraguay, aiming to promote contact lens education IACLE membership in Paraguay. 

Read the full Americas report

ASIA PACIFIC

Catch up on the latest Chinese-speaking webinar

In September, the IACLE China Team hosted a webinar on multifocal contact lens fittings and other functional soft contact lens development (14 September). During the session, IACLE China Coordinator Professor Haiying Wang discussed innovations in astigmatism and functional contact lenses, emphasizing soft toric lens design and presbyopia correction. Director of the Eye Hospital of Tianjin Medical University Jinghui Wang focused on presbyopia management with multifocal contact lenses, detailing various correction methods and lens designs. IACLE China Coordinator Sun Tiejing summarized the discussion and held a Q&A section. 

Catch up on the webinar here

IACLE at IVI in September

The India Vision Institute organized the 4th International Optometry Conference on Eye Health in a Changing World at IIT Madras Research Park in Chennai from 24-26 September. Over the three days, the event featured lectures delivered by IACLE board members, staff, and FIACLEs. The topics included contact lens solution hypersensitivity, emerging trends in contact lenses, and presentations highlighting IACLE’s activities.

For more information

EUROPE / AFRICA / MIDDLE EAST

Are you attending upcoming conferences in the Middle East?

We are interested to know if any of our members will be in attendance at the upcoming events: Vision Plus Conference (17-19 October in Dubai, UAE), 8th Saudi Optometry Conference (26-28 October in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) or the 17th International Congress of The Middle East Africa Council of Ophthalmology (29 November-2 December in Muscat, Oman). 

If you are planning to attend the above meetings and would like to meet with fellow IACLE members in your region, please get in touch by emailing Siobhan Allen at s.allen@iacle.org


DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

IACLE TLC (Teach. Learn. Connect) WEBINARS 

Visit the IACLE Webinars area on IACLETOP to view the schedule for upcoming webinars.

GLOBAL MEETINGS IN THE COMING MONTHS 

American Academy of Optometry, New Orleans, USA, 11-14 October. Details

Vision Plus Conference, Dubai, UAE, 17-19 October. Details.

8th Saudi Optometry Conference, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 26-28 October. Details

The 17th International Congress of The Middle East Africa Council of Ophthalmology / 19th Muscat International Ophthalmology Conference (MIOC 2023), 29 November-2 December, Muscat, Oman. Details.

IACLE IS SPONSORED BY

Introducing the IACLE Ambassador Program

IACLE currently employs part-time educational staff as country and regional coordinators who work to assist local members, execute various programs, and offer guidance on how to utilize educational resources effectively. They are supported by part- and full-time administrative staff to manage the day-to-day operations.  

Now, we are extending an invitation to our members to volunteer their support in countries that do not have dedicated IACLE staff. By doing so, IACLE Ambassadors will help us achieve the following:

  • Identify new institutions and educators: Reach out to potential institutions within the country and contact suitable educators to promote IACLE membership.
  • Assist with the application process: Support new educators in the membership application process and assist staff in verifying information, as well as following up on annual membership renewals.
  • Collect local activity ideas: Communicate with members to gather ideas and information about local activities that can be shared with the IACLE Team and used in promotional materials.
  • Organize IACLE meetings: Arrange and facilitate Member-Driven Meetings under the IACLE banner.
  • Promote the DLP and Fellowship Exam: Encourage members to undertake the Distance Learning Program (DLP) and sit the Fellowship Exam to gain Fellow of IACLE (FIACLE) status.
  • Assist with translation: Provide assistance in translating resources and communications.
  • Conference representation: When speaking at conferences, both nationally and internationally, actively promote IACLE and contribute to the recruitment of potential members. 
  • Market information reporting: As needed, report on information regarding the local contact lens market. 
  • Industry communication: Any communication with industry partners regarding IACLE activities should be relayed to the IACLE Board through the CEO. 
  • Regular collaboration: Schedule virtual meetings with IACLE staff every three months to discuss local issues and align them with global initiatives. 

By volunteering in these capacities, IACLE Ambassadors will be instrumental in expanding our reach and furthering our mission to enhance contact lens education worldwide

To become an IACLE Ambassador, members must meet specific criteria. This includes holding full or associate membership and maintaining good standing for a minimum of two years. They should actively engage in IACLE programs and make effective use of IACLE resources. 

Typically, the process for selecting an IACLE Ambassador involves identification and appointment by the IACLE Board or staff. However, members who aspire to take on this role should also feel encouraged to express their interest and apply to become an IACLE Ambassador. 

The IACLE Ambassador role will undergo an annual review to determine the incumbent’s level of activity and fulfilment of the role’s responsibilities. 

Selected Ambassadors will receive a formal letter of recognition, which they can share with their institution or local association to confirm their role and responsibilities. Their position will also be acknowledged in IACLE’s promotional materials and communications. Additionally, updates on their activities will be featured in Global Member Newsletters and the annual Activity Summary. 

IACLE President Professor Philip Morgan commented, ‘I’m delighted that we are launching our new Ambassador Program. I often meet enthusiastic IACLE members around the world who are keen to take their relationship with the Association to the next stage, and this new program is the ideal vehicle for this. We are looking for people who love contact lenses and contact lens education who can spread the IACLE message in countries where we don’t have staff on the ground. In return for this work, we will recognize successful applicants with the title of IACLE Ambassador. We see this as beneficial to the Association, the new Ambassadors and our members: a win-win-win!’


If you are interested in becoming an IACLE Ambassador, please contact your IACLE Representative or email us at iacle@iacle.org


For more information, visit our website.


IACLE IS SPONSORED BY

Register for 6th Virtual Conference

Register now for our upcoming Virtual Conference

We are pleased to announce that registration has just opened for our ‘Incorporating myopia management into teaching’ themed Virtual Conference. The half-day event takes place via Zoom on Saturday 21 October from 12:00 – 3:00 pm UK (BST)

Register here

Find out what time the webinar begins in your time zone

The global rise in myopia’s prevalence has led to increased attention to its management. IACLE’s upcoming virtual conference focuses on integrating myopia management into curricula, covering topics on setting up labs and clinics, student and instructor roles, how to stay updated with the latest literature, clinic promotion, and how to counsel children and parents. We will hear from worldwide experts in the myopia and education field who will share their knowledge, experiences and expertise. 

View the agenda


IACLE IS SPONSORED BY

IACLE 6th Virtual Conference

Save the date for our 6th Virtual Conference

We are excited to announce that we are hosting a virtual conference on Saturday 21 October from 12:00 – 3:00 pm UK (BST) themed ‘Incorporating myopia management into teaching’. 

The global rise in myopia’s prevalence has led to increased attention to its management. IACLE’s upcoming virtual conference focuses on integrating myopia management into curricula, covering topics on setting up labs and clinics, student and instructor roles, how to stay updated with the latest literature, clinic promotion, and how to counsel children and parents. We will hear from worldwide experts in the myopia and education field who will share their knowledge, experiences and expertise.

More details coming soon.

Global Member Newsletter September 2023

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عربي – 中国人 – Français – 한국인 – Português – Español

MEMBERSHIP PERKS IN SEPTEMBER

Registration for our Virtual Conference opens next week

We are excited to announce that we are hosting a virtual conference on Saturday 21 October from 12:00 – 3:00 pm UK (BST) themed ‘Incorporating myopia management into teaching’. We will hear from experts from around the globe, such as Andrew PuckerPatrick Simard and Maria Liu, to name a few. The half-day meeting will also see two panel discussions and the opportunity to ask questions at the end.

Look out for an email to register

Fellowship Exam: Preparation and exam time slots

All members scheduled to take the IACLE Fellowship Exam on 22 November should have received an email specifying their assigned examination time. If you have any concerns or issues regarding your allocated slot, please contact Professor Craig Woods at c.woods@iacle.org for assistance. We recommend all exam-sitting members complete the Distance Learning Program (DLP) and utilize the IACLE Contact Lens Course and Case Report Series for optimal preparation. The next Fellowship Exam workshop takes place on 27 September, and recordings from previous workshops are available via the Fellowship Exam Area within IACLETOP. 

Access the Fellowship Exam Area


IACLETOP UPDATE

WC4 workshop videos now available

To access all materials related to IACLE’s 4th World Congress, please visit the resource center within IACLETOP. The IACLETOP Team has curated summary videos covering all sponsor workshops help during WC4. Additionally, you can find recordings of the plenary sessions and view the posters and photo library. 

Access the workshop videos


GLOBAL WEBINAR IN SEPTEMBER

Visual performance with multifocal contact lenses and progressive addition spectacles

Join us on Wednesday 20 September at 1 pm UK (BST) for a webinar with Jennifer Swingle Fogt

The onset of presbyopia creates a need for clear vision at varying distances. Progressive additional lenses (PAL) aid spectacle wearers in achieving this clarity at distance, intermediate, and near. Unlike spectacles, multifocal contact lenses offer unobstructed vision without prismatic effects or peripheral blockage. In this webinar, Jennifer will present the findings from her study comparing multifocal contact lenses and progressive addition spectacle performance through visual and visuomotor tests. 

This webinar will be introduced by IACLE Silver Sponsor Johnson & Johnson

Members can watch live via Zoom and this webinar will be live streamed to our Facebook page for students and non-members.

Find out what time the webinar begins in your time zone


NEWS IN SEPTEMBER

Image of the Month

Prasad Sawant from Sawant Optometry Clinic in Dombivli, India, captured the above image of blepharitis affecting the lacrimal punctum. Several conditions can influence the puncta, potentially resulting in dry eyes or excessive tearing due to their adverse effects on tear drainage. One such condition is punctal stenosis, characterized by the narrowing or blockage of the puncta. Among various causes of punctal stenosis, the most prevalent is blepharitis, a condition marked by redness, itching, swelling, and crusting of the lid margin, primarily at the base of the eyelashes, and occasionally affects the punctal regions. 

Would you like to feature in next month’s Image of the Month? Submit your image here

Join our Annual General Meeting next week

A polite reminder that IACLE’s Annual General Meeting is taking place virtually on Wednesday 20 September at 12 noon UK (BST) via Zoom and is open to all IACLE members and our industry partners. Directors of the association will present IACLE’s financial position for 2022, along with an update on activity. IACLE will also transact such other business as may be properly brought before the meeting. If you cannot attend, you can assign a proxy via the link below. 

Please register your attendance or apologies here

IACLE resources featured at O=MEGA23/WCO

Last week at O=MEGA23, held in partnership with the 4th World Congress of Optometry, in Melbourne, Australia, Professor Craig Woods delivered a presentation titled ‘Delivering a global multilingual Fellowship Examination online’. Additionally, he presented a poster centered around IACLE’s Learning Management System titled ‘IACLETOP; a global interactive online Learning Management System’. IACLE Regional Director Dr Kah Ooi Tan is pictured above with the poster. 

For more information on the conference

Vice President receives award for excellence in academia

UK-based Pakistan Forum, dedicated to promoting the welfare and cultural concerns of UK residents of Pakistani descent, has honored IACLE Vice President Professor Shehzad Naroo with the Allama Iqbal Award for Excellence in Academia 2023. Congratulations Professor Naroo on this well deserved recognition! 


RESOURCE

Study explores willingness to pay for torics

In a clinical study, individuals with low to moderate astigmatism tested both soft (Biofinity toric) and spherical (Biofinity) contact lenses. Toric lenses outperformed spherical lenses in visual acuity by 0.6 to 1.1 lines and showed better subjective vision for distance tasks. Comfort scores were similar. Economic scenarios revealed consumers are willing to pay a 50% premium for toric lenses if they provide better vision and similar comfort. This suggests toric lenses offer a greater clinical benefit than their slightly higher price suggests.

Read the study


WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR REGIONS?

AMERICAS

IACLE at FEDOPTO

In collaboration with FEDOPTO, IACLE Americas organized a members’ meeting during the latest FEDOPTO conference in Medellín (24-26 August). During the session, Americas Regional Director Professor Martin Giraldo addressed the current requirements in contact lens education and IACLE’s role in this. Professor Guillermo Carrillo provided a detailed overview of IACLE’s resources, the benefits of IACLETOP and encouraged educators to engage their students with the Student Area and utilize the Student Trial Exam (STE).  Additionally, IACLE members Professor Johanna Garzon and Dr Juan Camilo Cuesta shared their experiences using IACLE resources and implementing them in new strategies to attain academic goals, particularly in myopia control, involving both contact lens students and patients.

Read the full Americas report

ASIA PACIFIC

Indian university receive free trial lenses

IACLE member Mohammad Nooruz Zaman from Sankara College of Optometry in Ludhiana, India, received a free set of trial lenses from Bausch + Lomb. The institution has received a total of 72 lenses, including spherical, toric, and multifocal contact lenses. ‘Thank you again for the support towards optometry education. This is going to help our students have practical experience towards fitting contact lenses’, said Mohammad. 

If you are interested in receiving trial lenses for your students, please get in touch with Kavitha Jayanna at k.jayanna@iacle.org

Korean Students prepare for the Student Trial Exam

In August, IACLE Korea Coordinator Professor Kyounghee Park visited two South Korean universities – Choonhae Health College in Ulsan (16-17 August) and Dongnam Health College in Suwon (23-24 August) – to deliver lectures to students to prepare them for their upcoming Student Trial Exams. This lecture was particularly unique because Professor Park utilized the ICLC and Case Reports, which are not commonly covered in standard Korean contact lens courses. The students at the institution are scheduled to sit the STE in September. 

Read the full Asia Pacific meeting report

IACLE at IVI

The 4th International Optometry Conference on Eye Health in a Changing World, hosted by India Vision Institute, is taking place at the IIT Madras Research Park in Chennai on 24-26 September. The three-day event brings together leading experts, researchers, eye care professionals and educators from around the world. FIACLEs Fakhruddin Barodawala, Ajay Shinde and Minh Anh Tran are delivering a virtual session on ‘Contact lens case studies for critical analysis’. 

Register here

EUROPE / AFRICA / MIDDLE EAST

Members meet at South African conference

During Contact Connect in Gauteng, South Africa, 22 current and prospective members, as well as industry professionals, gathered for an IACLE meeting. The session was hosted by Dina Bornman and Dr Elizabeth Chetty and began with an introduction from IACLE President Professor Philip Morgan. The attendees engaged in discussions about various aspects of IACLE activities, existing resources, and forthcoming plans. Four IACLE members, namely Naimah Ebrahim KhanAyesha SulimanDr Chetty and Dina, shared their personal insights and feedback from their experiences at IACLE’s 4th World Congress. Among the key takeaways from their feedback was the invaluable networking opportunities and connections made during the congress. 


DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

IACLE TLC (Teach. Learn. Connect) WEBINARS 

Visit the IACLE Webinars area on IACLETOP to view the schedule for upcoming webinars.

GLOBAL MEETINGS IN THE COMING MONTHS 

American Academy of Optometry, New Orleans, USA, 11-14 October. Details


IACLE IS SPONSORED BY

Global Member Newsletter August 2023

MEMBERSHIP PERKS IN AUGUST

Read this email in

عربي – 中国人 – Français – 한국인 – Português – Español

IACLETOP UPDATE

Save the date for our 6th Virtual Conference

We are excited to announce that we are hosting a virtual conference on Saturday 21 October from 12:00 – 3:00 pm UK (BST) themed ‘Incorporating myopia management into teaching’. 

The global rise in myopia’s prevalence has led to increased attention to its management. IACLE’s upcoming virtual conference focuses on integrating myopia management into curricula, covering topics on setting up labs and clinics, student and instructor roles, how to stay updated with the latest literature, clinic promotion, and how to counsel children and parents. We will hear from worldwide experts in the myopia and education field who will share their knowledge, experiences and expertise.

Look out for more details coming soon

Preparing for the Fellowship Exam

There is still adequate time to prepare for the upcoming Fellowship Exam (22 November). For those who have registered for the exam, be sure to accept the invitation via IACLETOP to access the Fellowship Exam area where you can join monthly workshops to assist with your revision. It is recommended that all exam-sitting members complete the Distance Learning Program (DLP) and utilize the IACLE Contact Lens Course and Case Report Series for optimal preparation. From November, our focus will be on assisting those who have actively engaged with the Fellowship Exam area. Exam candidates who have not engaged with the area by the end of October will be withdrawn from the exam. 

If you have any queries, please contact your coordinator


IACLETOP UPDATE

WC4 post-meeting report now available

During IACLE’s 4th World Congress, six of IACLE’s sponsors delivered eight workshops across two days. Summary videos of the sessions will be available to view via IACLETOP soon. A detailed post-meeting report is now available to read. 

Read the post-meeting report


GLOBAL WEBINAR IN AUGUST

Potential interventions to grow contact lens practice

Join us on Wednesday 23 August at 12 noon UK (BST) for a webinar with Alfredo Desiato

Understanding the drivers of proactivity among eye care practitioners holds significance in optimizing the approach to expanding the contact lens market. This knowledge can assist in planning effective strategies to increase the number of contact lens wearers worldwide. 

Alfredo will present a study that aimed to evaluate the characteristics of contact lens practices, the attitudes of practitioners and their impact on the monthly rate of new contact lens fittings. In addition, the webinar will explore the potential interventions perceived as more pertinent by contact lens practitioners to reveal strategies to grow contact lens practice.  

This webinar will be introduced by Gold Sponsor CooperVision and chaired by Lifetime FIACLE Dr Raquel Gil-Cazorla

Members can watch live online via Zoom, and the event will be live streamed to our Facebook page for students and eye care practitioners to tune into.

Find out what time the webinar begins in your time zone


NEWS IN AUGUST

Image of the Month

Karpagavalli Subramanian from Sankara Nethralaya in Chennai, India, captured the above image using a Topcon photo slit lamp. A 25-year-old male with keratoconus received corneal Intacs, enhancing BCVA from 6/36 to 6/9. Intacs can improve UCVA, BCVA and reduce irregular astigmatism. Combining Intacs with collagen cross-linking improves vision and decreases the possibility of keratoconus progression.

Would you like to feature in next month’s Image of the Month? Submit your image here

Upcoming Annual General Meeting

IACLE’s Annual General Meeting is taking place virtually on Wednesday 20 September at 12 noon UK (BST) via Zoom and is open to all IACLE members and our industry partners. The Directors of the association will present IACLE’s financial position for 2022, along with an update on activity. IACLE will also transact such other business as may be properly brought before the meeting. If you cannot attend, you can assign a proxy via the link below. 

Please register your attendance or apologies here

India Team hosts member meeting next month

Indian members will gather next month at the College of Optometry PBMA’s HV Desai Eye Hospital in Pune, India, for a members’ meeting on contact lens education (16-17 September). The agenda includes various topics relating to contact lens education, including how to teach presbyopic contact lens fittings, discomfort and dry eye, how to motivate students, and FIACLEs will share their learnings from IACLE’s 4th World Congress

We look forward to seeing your posts on social media

Call for members to update details

We kindly ask all members to provide any information that may be outdated. This could include details such as title, job title, country, or email address. Please reach out to us at iacle@iacle.org if any updates are necessary.


RESOURCE

Latest update features ocular surface immunology

Clinician scientist and cornea specialist Sezen Karakus authors the latest Contact Lens Update editorial reviewing ocular surface immunology. The review highlights that ocular surface immunology is an evolving field with profound implications for eye health. Immune-ocular surface interaction underpins disease understanding and innovative treatments. Researchers and clinicians are devising targeted therapies and personalized approaches to restore ocular surface homeostasis and improve patient outcomes. As complexities unfold, preventative measures and personalized treatments emerge. Collaborative efforts among researchers, clinicians and industry stakeholders will shape the future of ocular surface immunology, elevating global eye health and well-being. 

Read the editorial


WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR REGIONS?

AMERICAS

Contact lens workshop in Peru

IACLE Americas Regional Coordinator Professor Guillermo Carrillo in collaboration with Instituto de Educación Superior Tecnológico Privado (IESTPOO) in Peru, conducted a two-day workshop for final-year students. The workshop covered topics such as contact lens assessment, RGP and toric soft contact lens fitting. A total of 36 students participated in the eight hours of contact lens education. 

Read the full Americas report

ASIA PACIFIC

Korea hosts Train-the-Trainer Program

IACLE Korea Coordinator Professor Jessica Park led a members’ meeting and a Train-the-Trainer Program at Mauna Ocean Resort in South Korea. Updates on IACLE and myopia management were discussed. Professor Hyeong-Su Kim shared insights on how to teach contact lenses online, while Soo-Kyung Nam introduced the curriculum for beginners in contact lens practice. Professor Woo-Yeong Jang highlighted the importance of meetings like WC4 and the BCLA and urged Korean members to attend IACLE global meetings moving forward.

Read the full Asia Pacific report

Update from member in Pakistan

FIACLE Mutahir Shah from the Pakistan Institute of Ophthalmology was invited to speak at a workshop focusing on bifocal and multifocal contact lenses with an attendance of 30 students and faculty (26 May). The objective was to provide participants with essential knowledge and practical tips relating to multifocal and bifocal contact lenses, and the session incorporated the use of IACLE resources, such as the IACLE Contact Lens Course and IACLETOP Library for demonstration purposes, which Mutahir says, enhanced the overall learning experience.

We encourage all members to share their experiences using IACLE resources and programs. If you would like to share any news or updates with fellow IACLE members, please contact your coordinator. 

EUROPE / AFRICA / MIDDLE EAST

Upcoming member meeting in South Africa

Are you attending the Contact Connect Conference in Gauteng, South Africa? During the conference, FIACLE Dr Elizabeth Chetty and Dina Bournman will lead an IACLE members’ breakfast meeting, along with an introduction from IACLE President Professor Philip Morgan. The meeting is taking place on Saturday 2 September at 7 am and aims to allow members to share their experiences and opinions on IACLE resources and WC4.

For more information, please contact Siobhan Allen at s.allen@iacle.org


DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

IACLE TLC (Teach. Learn. Connect) WEBINARS 

Visit the IACLE Webinars area on IACLETOP to view the schedule for upcoming webinars.

GLOBAL MEETINGS IN THE COMING MONTHS 

Contact Connect Conference, Gauteng, South Africa, 1-3 September. Details

4th World Congress of Optometry (WCO4) and O=MEGA23, Melbourne, Australia, 8-10 September. Details

American Academy of Optometry, New Orleans, USA, 11-14 October. Details


IACLE IS SPONSORED BY

IACLE announces upcoming AGM details

Notice is hereby given that an Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the International Association of Contact Lens Educators (IACLE) will take place virtually via Zoom on Wednesday 20 September at 12 noon UK (BST). Attending members will receive a Zoom link via email within 48 hours of the meeting.       

Find out what time the AGM begins in your time zone

The meeting is taking place for the following purposes:

  • To receive reports from the Directors on the affairs of the Association
  • To receive the statement of financial position
  • Transact such other business as may be properly brought before the meeting

Please register your attendance or apologies via the link here. If you cannot attend, you are able to assign a proxy here. Any questions regarding the AGM can be directed to IACLE Chief Executive Officer Bonnie Boshart at b.boshart@iacle.org

IACLE IS SPONSORED BY

Global Member Newsletter July 2023

MEMBERSHIP PERKS IN JULY

Read this email in

عربي – 中国人 – Français – 한국인 – Português – Español

IACLETOP UPDATE

WC4 app now available to all members

During IACLE’s 4th World Congress, delegates had access to the WC4 app via IACLETOP, giving them access to relevant information about oral presentations, posters, and workshops. The app has now transformed into a resource centre and is available for all IACLE members in the WC4 Birmingham 2023 area. If you wish to catch up on the meeting, you can find recordings of all presentations and digital copies of the posters here. The workshops will be released next month.

Visit the WC4 resource centre


THIS MONTH’S GLOBAL WEBINAR

Making the management of MGD as easy as 1-2-3!

Join us on Wednesday 19 July at 12 noon UK (BST) for a webinar with Professor Jennifer Craig.

Professor Craig is a Therapeutic Research Optometrist and a Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Auckland in New Zealand where she heads the Ocular Surface Laboratory. She has maintained her research interest in the ocular surface, particularly dry eye disease and tear film dysfunction. Jennifer regularly delivers continuing education and research lectures internationally and publishes widely in both the scientific and clinical press. She is an accomplished lecturer, contributing to international workshops and holding various academic appointments. 

Members can watch live online via Zoom, and the event will be live streamed to our Facebook page for students and eye care practitioners to tune into. 

See all Zoom login details hereFind out what time the webinar begins in your time zone


NEWS IN JULY

Image of the Month

Manju Balakrishnan from Sankara Nethralaya in Chennai, India, captured the above images using a Topcon slit lamp. The images are of a patient who relied on a combination of prosthetic type C lenses and RGP lenses, known as piggyback lenses, and reported concerns of discomfort, reduced vision (6/50), and issues with shadowing. Upon examination, it became evident that the fitting of the lenses was compromised and deemed unsatisfactory. A trial with scleral lenses was conducted, leading to notable improvements to address these concerns. The patient experienced enhanced comfort, improved vision to 6/25, and reduced shadowing.

Would you like to feature in next month’s Image of the Month? Submit your image

Save the date for our Annual General Meeting

The IACLE Annual General Meeting will take place virtually on Wednesday 20 September, immediately following the September global webinar. The meeting will be conducted via Zoom and is open to all IACLE members and industry partners. The Directors of the Association will present IACLE’s financial position for 2022, along with an update on activities. 

Further details will be provided in the near future

Members celebrated at BCLA

During the British Contact Lens Association’s (BCLA) Clinical Conference & Exhibition, a number of IACLE members achieved recognition for their expertise and photography skills (9-11 June). Rabia Mobeen received the BCLA Da Vinci Award, while Dr Sonia Trave-Huarte delivered the Irving Fatt Memorial Lecture. Mhamed Ouzzani won the Diane Gould Photographic Competition, with Dr Elizabeth Chetty second. IACLE Director Fakhruddin Barodawala (pictured) and David Berkow were honored as the winner and runner-up, respectively, in the Poster Competition. Congratulations to all! 

For more information on the BCLA awards


RESOURCE

Effects of elective interventions on the ocular surface

A new report explores the impact of elective medications and procedures on the ocular surface, focusing on their effects on tear film homeostasis and patient quality of life. It discusses elective interventions for ocular and non-ophthalmic conditions, including cosmetic enhancement and systemic treatments such as radiotherapy and bariatric surgery. IACLE Secretary / Treasurer Dr Etty Bitton is among the authors of this paper. 

Read the full text


WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR REGIONS?

AMERICAS

‘Miércoles de Lentes de Contacto’

The Americas Regional Office hosted three webinars in the past month with 128 attendees, including IACLE members and ECPs. The topics covered included navigating presbyopic changes and motivating patients for trial fittings by Professor Martin Giraldo, the benefits of sports and contact lenses for athletes by Giancarlo Contreras, and new educational strategies from IACLE’s 4th World Congress by Professor Guillermo Carrillo

Catch up on all Spanish-speaking webinars

ASIA PACIFIC

Industry supplies free trial lenses in India

Throughout 2023, the generous support of industry sponsors AlconCooperVision, and Bausch + Lomb, in collaboration with IACLE members, has facilitated the provision of free trial lenses to students at various universities in India. This effort, in coordination with IACLE, has meant that students have gained practical knowledge in fittings, insertion and removal techniques, as well as essential care and maintenance required for contact lenses. 

For more details. If you are interested in receiving trial lenses for your students, please get in touch with IACLE Asia Pacific Operations Administrator Kavitha Jayanna at k.jayanna@iacle.org.

EUROPE / AFRICA / MIDDLE EAST

South African member travels to 3 CL meetings

Senior Lecturer at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa, Dr Elizabeth Chetty was honored with the 2020 IACLE Travel Award and attended the annual AOCLE meeting in Chicago this year as her prize (1-4 June). Due to the timing of the meeting, this meant Elizabeth travelled from Chicago to Birmingham, UK, for IACLE’s WC4 (5-8 June) and then onto Manchester, UK, for the biennial BCLA Clinical Conference & Exhibition (9-11 June), making it a journey of three consecutive contact lens meetings in 11 days. Elizabeth documented her journey, capturing her experiences in a travel diary.

Read Elizabeth’s travel diary

Educators meet at the Alcon Experience Academy

On 27 June, a one-hour IACLE EAME national meeting took place at the Alcon Experience Academy in Barcelona, Spain, focusing on the challenges of contact lens teaching. Chaired by EAME Regional Director Dr Fabrizio Zeri, panellists Professor José Manuel Gonzalez-Meijome from the University of MinhoProfessor David Piñero from the University of Alicante, and Dr Alberto Recchioni from the University of Birmingham discussed the impact of artificial intelligence and the importance of modern instrumentation and contact lens materials in education. Fifty Italian delegates attended the event in person, and around 40 participants from Spain and Portugal tuned in remotely.


DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

IACLE TLC (Teach. Learn. Connect) WEBINARS 

Visit the IACLE Webinars area on IACLETOP to view the schedule for upcoming webinars.

GLOBAL MEETINGS IN THE COMING MONTHS 

Contact Connect Conference, Gauteng, South Africa, 1-3 September. Details

4th World Congress of Optometry (WCO4) and O=MEGA23, Melbourne, Australia, 8-10 September. Details

American Academy of Optometry, New Orleans, USA, 11-14 October. Details


IACLE IS SPONSORED BY