Sarah Farrant is the new BCLA President.
Here Sarah, tell you what that means to her in taking up her new appointment …
The British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) has for some time been recognised and respected as a true global leader in the contact lens and anterior eye community. This impressive position stands on the shoulders of all the people who have been involved in the making and continued success of such a wonderful institution. I feel honoured to be the president of the BCLA and represent our global community of members.
I have long since held a strong opinion that all eye care clinicians should be able to readily access current evidence-based research and translate that knowledge into skills and services that directly benefit our patients. The BCLA provides a network of friends, support, collaborations and a bridge to link the fields of industry, academia and research with clinicians to allow the vital flow of knowledge for mutual and widespread benefit not only for our members and supporters but ultimately for our patients. And of course, this always links back to the desire for more research!
My passion for the ocular surface was initiated by firsthand experience of the debilitating effects of ocular surface disease, which led to me setting up possibly the first of its kind dry eye clinic (far too!) many years ago. Since then, I have combined forward thinking and occasionally pioneering clinical work with a desire to share my experience and knowledge with others. The importance of the ocular surface has, in my opinion, so often in the past been overlooked and underestimated by many and the relationships between the ocular surface, tear film, vision and contact lenses have often been ill-considered as disparate entities. Fortunately, thanks to many equally passionate individuals and organisations, the tide is turning and in recent years far greater resources and recognition has driven a more widespread movement towards greater understanding of the important synergies between these elements. The opportunities for better collaboration, further uniting the world of eyecare is more important than ever. In this ever changing and dynamic field, embracing change is vital to fuel further innovation.
I will continue to relish in my profession, safe in the knowledge that I am surrounded by equally passionate people with the support of the BCLA community who, collectively, are striving towards the ultimate goal of achieving the best possible outcomes for our patients. It is truly wonderful to be a part of something that has such wonderful values at its core, with the ultimate altruistic aim to better the lives of our patients.”
Biography
Sarah Farrant graduated from Optometry at Cardiff University, Wales. Alongside her optometrist husband, Edward, she owns independent practice, Earlam and Christopher in Somerset, with specialties in ocular pathology, dry eye and myopia management.
Sarah is a leading expert in therapeutics and dry eye management and represents the UK as an Ambassador for the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society (TFOS). She is a consultant and key opinion leader to numerous ophthalmic companies and regularly writes articles as well as lecturing nationally and internationally. She is the current President of the British Contact Lens Association.