Meet a Council Member: Josie Barlow
Tell us a bit about yourself?
I am happily married to Chris with two beautiful boys who keep us busy, I have been in Optics for over 30 years. I have worked in many aspects of Optics, manufacturing and retail in both multiple and independent practice and now work as Professional Services Manager for Menicon Ltd in the Speciality Lens Division
Why did you join the BCLA?
I wanted to give something back to an organisation that has always given so much, I wanted to be involved in attracting new members to the organisation and the education of the next generation of Contact Lens and anterior eye practitioners
What encouraged/inspired you to apply to be on BCLA Council?
I was initially concerned that I may not have the skill set to be a part of BCLA council, but peers and current members encouraged me to apply that I could make a meaningful contribution
Apart from the membership benefits, what else do you get from being a member of the BCLA?
BCLA is such a diverse community, there is a huge variety of skill sets within the organisation that I feel I am constantly learning something new and there is such a wealth of knowledge to draw on everyone is so welcoming, and it feels more like a family
What is it like being a member of the BCLA council?
The council members come from various backgrounds that cover education, industry and practice, to say being on council is busy is an understatement. Council works tirelessly to ensure they are delivering the very best to members with the highest levels of attention I have seen.
What message would you like to give to members / non-members?
Being a member of the BCLA means that you are continually learning new things and are at the cutting edge of new developments, surrounded by members that want to support and share knowledge and receiving education that is second to none.
What do you think will be the biggest change in contact lenses and the anterior eye over the next five years?
I think that the contact lens industry will continue to innovate being able to deliver better care for the anterior surface such as DE, being greener and further developments for Myopia Management
Biography
Josie is a qualified Dispensing and Contact Lens Optician. She has been in Optics for over 30 years and has worked in both Independent and Multiple Practice. For the last 19 years she has worked for contact lens manufacturers and has developed and delivered CET, training and other lectures on a wide range of contact lens corrections both generic and product specific. She specialises in complex lens fitting and advising peers in this area.
Josie has conducted lectures to optometrists, CLOs and DOs at LOC and other industry meetings and facilitated CET accredited workshops for optometric groups at industry meetings and at manufacturer facilities. Working for Menicon Ltd Josie is involved in product training both theoretical and practical on all Menicon devices, she is involved in product development and works closely with education providers training the next generation of eye care practitioners, as well as assisting in regulatory and R&D projects.