Nominations to open for prestigious BCLA Research Awards

The British Contact Lens Association is preparing to open nominations for two of its most prestigious research honours, recognising outstanding achievement and innovation in the field of contact lenses and the anterior eye.

The awards will be presented during the BCLA Clinical Conference & Exhibition 2027 in Birmingham, where leading clinicians, researchers and industry professionals from around the world will come together to celebrate excellence in eye care.

The Irving Fatt Memorial Lecture recognises an outstanding postgraduate researcher who has demonstrated excellence in clinical, basic or translational research in the field of contact lenses and/or the anterior eye. The award is open to individuals who have completed a UK postgraduate degree, such as a PhD, clinical doctorate or MSc, within the past five years and who have continued their research in private practice, hospital practice or academia.

The BCLA Medal is the Association’s highest honour, recognising exceptional achievement and a significant contribution to the development, understanding, appreciation or use of contact lenses and/or the anterior eye. Recipients may be recognised for contributions through invention, research, industrial innovation or clinical practice, as well as work relating to technologies used to assess the anterior eye.

Brad Parkes, Chief Executive of the BCLA, said: “The BCLA Research Awards celebrate the individuals whose dedication, innovation and commitment continue to advance knowledge and improve patient care across the profession.

“From emerging researchers making their mark to those whose careers have shaped the future of contact lenses and anterior eye care, these awards recognise the very best our profession has to offer. We encourage colleagues from across the sector to consider who deserves recognition and to submit a nomination.”

The BCLA Research Awards form an important part of the Association’s commitment to championing research, supporting professional development and recognising excellence across the global eye care community.

Full eligibility criteria and nomination guidance for both awards will be available when nominations open. Members of the profession are encouraged to visit the BCLA website to find out more and submit their nominations.

For further information about the awards and to submit a nomination when the process opens, visit www.bcla.org.uk.