As a membership organisation, the BCLA provides a wide range of benefits to help members at all stages of their educational and professional career access a range of high-quality resources. We provide members with a continual stream of relevant information as well as the opportunity to communicate with others involved with contact lenses, whatever their role. The BCLA also runs a number of free and discounted events throughout the year for members and non-members. The highly regarded Clinical Conference and Exhibition is now a biennial event which welcomes on average more than 1,200 UK and international delegates. BCLA UK aims to increase confidence amongst UK based eye care practitioners who want to improve their contact lens fitting skills and knowledge. Our Vision To be the leading resource gateway for the contact lens community. Our Mission To educate, interact and promote growth within the field of contact lenses and related areas. History of the BCLA The BCLA has come a long way since it was formed in 1977 by a collaboration and amalgamation of the four major bodies in the UK concerned with the then relatively specialised practice of contact lenses. The main objectives of the BCLA at that time were to provide for the advancement of knowledge in the field of contact lens practice and encourage teaching and research in the field. The BCLA has remained steadfast in its commitment to meeting these objectives. Our mission today is to educate, interact and promote growth within the field of contact lenses and related areas. It is also our vision to be the leading resource gateway for the contact lens community. Membership of the BCLA has grown from 656 in 1978 to more than 1,500 by the end of 2018.