Revision of Standards Applying to Contact Lens Care Products LCPs) Likely

Following the issues that arose around the efficacy-in-use of several LCPs in the period 2006-2007 and the revisiting of the ‘No Rub’ issue that followed, advice was sought from interested parties by various regulatory authorities around the world on what might be done to reduce the likelihood of such events recurring. Foremost among authorities reviewing the episodes reported was the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Many practitioners, educators, and even some industry members have always regarded the concept of ‘No Rub’ contact lens care as being flawed. What perplexed this group of doubters was the realization that, with few exceptions, the legions of contact lens wearers around the world seemed to have ‘gotten away with it’ for so long (more than a decade). Yet others questioned ‘why it took so long’ for the predictable problems to surface. Some could even be heard to say “the low problem rate speaks well of the performance of modern LCPs, particularly Multi-purpose Solutions (MPSs) and later, One Bottle lens care Systems (OBSs)” when in truth, it is probable that what they should have been saying was “aren’t the eyes fantastic at looking after themselves” despite the use of regimens and products that are imperfect.

In 2008, the FDA received detailed submissions from the following at an open public hearing:
The FDA Ophthalmic Devices Panel Meeting (2008 June 10):

• Drs Ehlers & Tu representing:
– American Academy of Ophthalmology (2 submissions)
– Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists (2 submissions)
– The Cornea Society (2 submissions)
– American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery (2 submissions)These groups also tabled a set of joint recommendations for improving contact lens safety (visit:http://www.aao.org/newsroom/release/20080610.cfm)

• Dr Louise Sclafani & Prof. William Benjamin representing the American Optometric Association (visit:http://www.aoa.org/x10664.xml)

• CLI (Contact Lens Institute) representing:
– Alcon
– CIBA Vision
– AMO
– CooperVision
– Bausch & Lomb
– Johnson & Johnson

• Dr Simon Kilvington (scientist, widely-published UK author: micro-organisms & LCPs)
• Dr Arthur Epstein (practitioner, consultant, and columnist
• Dr James Thimons (educator and practitioner)
• Dr Mark Willcox (scientist, Institute for Eye Research, Sydney)
• Dr David Hansen (Professional Services, AMO)
• Dr Francis Mah (ophthalmologist, Uni. of Pittsburgh)
• Dr Charlotte Joslin (optometrist, post-graduate student, author)
• Prof. Dwight Cavanagh (ophthalmologist, author, editor)
• Dr James Saviola (optometrist, FDA)
• Dr Danica Marinac-Dabic (MD, FDA)
• Dr Jennifer Rabke Verani (MD, MPH, Centre for Disease Control [CDC])
• Dr SP Johnston et al. (Division of Parasitic Diseases, CDC)

A reminder to members regarding the administration of the distinguished Accreditation Examination set in November this year:

Worldwide (excluding china) Saturday 7th November
China exclusively Tuesday 10th November

The initial announcement of this event was met with instantaneous affirmative responses from members and non-members

The Accreditation Examination remains a superior means of measuring contact lens knowledge. To date there are no other means like it which assesses one’s level of knowledge and identify areas of deficiency at this capacity. Hence, a successful outcome is honoured with an invitation to become a ‘Fellow of IACLE’ (FIACLE). The FIACLE title encompasses a wealth of stature and defines one as a leader in their field.

Here are some powerful quotes from our FIACLEs to date…

“In the academic field there are numerous ways to ‘upgrade’ yourself professionally (MSc, PhD etc). However, in the field of contact teaching there is no such standard or classification. Therefore, I was very excited about the FIACLE accreditation exam. For me as a young teacher, it proved that I was on a level that I hoped I would be, and among peers. It gave me self confidence to proceed and to excel. Also, within our school, with many other faculties under one roof, the international recognition was viewed upon with respect. I have not regret a single minute of doing it, and use the FIACLE title wherever I can.”
Eef van der Worp, BOptom, PhD, FAAO, FIACLE

“In my professional career it has brought distinction, self-esteem, and growth not only goodwill but also options for additional income on an international scope.”
Orlando Neira, OD, FIACLE – CIBA Vision Professional Affairs LA cone south (Colombia)

IACLE has developed educational and remediation programs to help raise the level of knowledge and skills. Programs such as the Distance Learning Program (DLP) provide members with a systematic method of studying the modules of the IACLE Contact Lens Course. This is an excellent means of preparing to write the Accreditation Examination. If you are interested in participating in the DLP, please contact your local IACLE coordinator or the IACLE Secretariat.

Asia Pacific:
Cheni Lee, Regional Coordinator: cheni@cbn.net.id
Qu Xiaomei, China National Coordinator: quxiaomei2002@126.com
Kim Dongpil, Korea National Coordinator: kim082@hotmail.com

EAME:
Carmen Carrillo, Regional Administrator: carmen.carrillo@infonegocio.net.pe

Latin America:
Guillermo Carrillo, Regional Coordinator: gcarrillo@infonegocio.net.pe

IACLE Secretariat: iacle@iacle.org

Please complete and submit an application form if you are interested in registering for the 2009 IACLE Accreditation Examination – download form (pdf)