Meet a Member: Iain Johnson

Tell us a bit about yourself:

I’m a 32-year-old from Manchester who has been involved in optics for longer than I can remember. Currently I work as a CLO managing the contact lenses for six branches of an independent optician. Alongside this I do the occasional lecture and write for optical magazines such as OT and Optician, usually on the subject of eye health and nutrition.

When did you first join the BCLA?

I joined the BCLA two years ago.

Why did you sign up?

I signed up to keep up to date with the latest research
and to take advantage of the tools that are on offer.

Has it lived up to expectations?

I enjoy being part of the BCLA for the events and so far it has lived up to my expectation.

What are the biggest challenges facing the industry and how can the BCLA help tackle those issues?

I think there will be an increasing threat from online retailers and I can see there being a problem if contact lenses become a product that can just be purchased, rather than a medical device. I think it is up to the
professionals to ensure that they don’t treat contact lens aftercare and fits as an optional commodity (i.e. letting patients just take lenses and call if there is a problem). Otherwise, why would the patient attach importance to their appointments?

Why would you recommend the BCLA to others?

I honestly think that those who invest in their learning will stand out from the crowd. With increasing competition alongside many new areas that are opening up -such as myopia control- joining the BCLA is one way to keep up to date and stay on top of the latest research.