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Industry support is a key feature of the BCLA's annual Clinical Conference and the 2008 event will be no exception. With nearly 50 companies, this year's accompanying trade exhibition is the biggest yet and the association has even more support from its sponsors.

The four-day conference will be held from May 29-June 1 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel, with the exhibition from Friday to Sunday spread across three halls and open to delegates and non-delegates alike.

Showcasing their latest products on the conference programme are six Platinum Sponsors: Alcon, AMO, Bausch & Lomb, CIBA Vision, CooperVision and Johnson & Johnson Vision Care. Each will deliver a presentation in the main hall and a one-hour Platinum Sponsor's showcase in the dedicated Pavilion. Optometry Today and Topcon are Gold Sponsors. Nikon Optical will again sponsor the photographic competition and Elsevier Science will provide prizes for the poster competition.

President Nick Atkins says the BCLA is honoured to have the generous support of its 2008 sponsors. 'Our conference has always been unique in the great relationship it has with the industry, to the extent where it is unimaginable having the conference without the exhibition. The two elements are synergistic and combine to make the meeting the "not to be missed" event it is in many contact lens practitioners' diaries.

'The conference is now an important platform from which many companies choose to hold their global launches of new products and services,' he adds.

A new category of 'Premium Exhibitor' enables smaller-sized companies to maximise their attendance by delivering a 15-minute presentation at a special symposium in the Pavilion on Saturday afternoon. This will be followed by another new feature, an Exhibitors' Party in the exhibition area, with a 'Cook and fit' demonstration by former Masterchef finalist, optometrist Brian Tompkins, and a wine-tasting session led by optometrist David Bennett.

There are industry-supported social events and on the opening evening Johnson & Johnson Vision Care's 'The Vision to Win' has an Olympics theme, with Chinese food and entertainment. This will be followed by a Bausch & Lomb party.

CIBA will host the official Friday night party and invites all delegates to an evening of food, drinks and entertainment from Rory Bremner, with the chance to catch up with colleagues and unwind without having to leave the hotel.

Another highlight will be Saturday's Gala Dinner on a 'Saturday Night Fever' theme, with dancing to The Lost Faculties. Alcon has sponsored a pre-dinner cocktail reception.

Advanced Eyecare Research 9 & 10

Advanced Eyecare Research will be featuring its preservative-free lens care products, Regard and Reset. Regard is a multipurpose solution only available from independent optical outlets. Reset is an in-eye dual-action drop that both cleans and lubricates in-eye. Its active ingredient carboxymethylcellulose has been reported by the American Academy of Optometry to reduce corneal staining caused by preserved solutions. Clinical papers supporting Regard and Reset will be available on the stand.

Advanced Medical Optics 11

Advanced Medical Optics is once again delighted to be a platinum sponsor of the highly prestigious BCLA conference. AMO, a global leader in vision care, will be featuring their flagship MPS brand Complete MPS Easyrub Formula along with the strong package of educational support available for use in practice. AMO has also chosen the BCLA as a launch platform for their innovative new addition to the optical market leading blink eye drops range.

You are warmly invited to visit the team on our stand and find out more about what AMO has to offer you and your practice.

Alcon Laboratories 16

Alcon is a Platinum Sponsor of this year's BCLA Conference. Last year, the company launched its new contact lens solution Opti-Free RepleniSH, especially for silicone hydrogels. Other products on display on stand 16 will be ICaps dietary supplement and Systane lubricating eye drops. Delegates can also you can get the latest advice on therapeutics in practice. Please join us for our sponsor's presentation in the main lecture theatre at 11am on Friday May 30 and the Alcon Showcase in the Pavilion at 7.45am on Saturday May 31, where breakfast will be available from 7.15am.

Altacor 68

Altacor is introducing the Clinitas range, a new dry eye treatment range that increase, stabilise and restore the tear film. Clinitas Hydrate is a liquid gel that boosts the aqueous layer, providing rapid and sustained lubrication of the entire eye surface. Clinitas Soothe is a natural, preservative-free liquid that augments the aqueous and mucin layers. Clinitas Ultra 3 targets all three tear layers, hydrating the aqueous layer, stabilising the mucin layer, and delaying tear evaporation by restoring the critical lipid layer. Visit the Altacor - Clinitas stand for your free sample during BCLA.

Avizor International 66

Avizor which specialises in contact lens solutions is introducing Moisture Drops in Unidose format, in the Drops range of products. The new lubricating Moisture Drops in monodose format are preservative-free, are recommended for dry eyes and compatible with all types of lenses.

It adds that the monodose guarantees the correct ocular lubrication in a format that is practical to carry, totally hygienic, and preservative-free.

Bausch & Lomb 57

Bausch & Lomb as a Platinum Sponsor of this year's BCLA will be hosting several events and showcasing a number of exciting products.

On Thursday (21:00) enjoy our sponsor's party for some upbeat entertainment with exotic cocktails and bar snacks on offer.

On Friday (11.55) Bausch & Lomb's chairman and CEO, Gerald M Ostrov will be presenting. Finally on Sunday (13.00) at our Sponsors Showcase, we will be revealing news about an exciting new lens.

Please join us on Stand 57 to hear more about SofLens daily disposable, the PureVision Family of contact lenses and our lens care offerings aligned to Bausch & Lomb's continued commitment to compliance.

BCLA Gala Dinner Desk 42a

BIB 43 & 44

On display will be the new Anyview measurement/dispensing systems, which include a powerful contact lens module. New from Potec will be the latest generation of auto phoropter, the PAV 6100, and the PRK-6000 auto refractor/keratometer. From Bon optic comes the Digi Pro Elite digital slit lamp, combined with the Eye Top S ortho-K topographer the latest hand-held auto refractor/keratometer, the Retinomax K Plus 11 and the E-50 circular combi system. On show for the first time will be a new computerised visual acuity system, Vista Vision.

Birmingham Optical Group 32

Birmingham Optical Group will be introducing TearLab at the BCLA this year. TearLab offers tear sampling and biomarker analysis and is said to be the first tear test to give laboratory accuracy at the point of care. A small, portable device, TearLab uses only nanolitres of tears and results are easily obtained. The company says it is safe and simple and will give a single measure for tear film osmolarity, leading to accurate and swift patient evaluation of ocular surface integrity.

Braemar Finance 67

Braemar Finance is a long-established direct lender to the optical profession, with a strong reputation for providing an informed, personal service. We pride ourselves on the quality of our Nationwide Sales team, who have a wealth of experience within finance in general, and your market in particular.

We keep up to date with the numerous tax, regulatory and VAT changes which impact on the optical market, allowing us to provide you with an informed, personal service, tailored to suit your individual circumstances. We can provide finance packages to incorporate and maximise the tax benefits applicable to your individual personal and practice requirements, ensuring that all your needs are covered - equipment finance, computer finance, vehicle finance and practice and personal loans. Whatever your finance needs are today, make sure you ask an expert to help. Visit stand 67 or simply call us directly on 01563 852100 for free advice and a quote.

Buchmann-UK 52 &53

On show on the Buchmann stand will be the Tinsley MPod: the world's first compact, low-cost, macular pigment screener. Designed by researchers at the University of Manchester, MPod enables screening to take place as a five-minute addition to the eye examination. Patients leave the practice with a print-out of their macular condition, which can be compared at subsequent visits. The company will also be promoting the IOPen portable tonometer, the Henson screeners and a selection of Rodenstock instruments, along with consumables and practice accessories.

Cantor & Nissel 34 & 35

Cantor & Nissel is the largest specialised contact lens laboratory in Europe. The company specialises in the production of a lathe-cut soft and rigid lenses, including hand-painted lenses for prosthetic application and for special effects, artificial eyes and scleral shells. It also supplies complex designs such toric, presbyopic, keratoconus and reverse geometry lenses, all made to individual order. The company produces the ChromaGen range of coloured contact and spectacle lenses for the management of colour vision deficiency and dyslexia.

Carleton 28

Carleton will be demonstrating the versatility of its new retinal camera, a compact, non-mydriatic instrument that can be attached to a slit lamp, a dedicated table-top stand or used hand held, and comes complete with software. The company will also be exhibiting the CBM Vega corneal collagen cross-linker. Used in conjunction with Ricrolin CE-marked riboflavin packs, this machine is capable of delivering a controlled dosage of UV-A and is simple to operate, says Carleton.

Carl Zeiss 64

Carl Zeiss will be showing the brand new ATLAS 9000 Corneal Topography system. This new system is easier to use than its predecessors, and features SmartCapture, which analyses 15 digital images per second during alignment and selects the highest quality image. New features include automatic pupillometry, scotopic and photopic as well as the HVID measurement. An image simulation system allows practitioners to show improvements in visual acuity with a reduction in higher-order aberrations.

CIBA Vision 20

Long-time BCLA Platinum Sponsor CIBA Vision is hosting the official Friday night BCLA event in the Metropole Hotel. All BCLA delegates are invited to attend 'The Aqua Party' from 7.30pm until midnight that will feature a champagne and canapés welcome, dinner, and comedian Rory Bremner. After dinner, guests will be invited to try their hand at poker, blackjack or roulette to win fantastic prizes such as Nintendo games, a spa getaway or even an Aston Martin or private yacht for a weekend. Delegates are requested to confirm their place at www.theaquaparty.co.uk or by calling 01189 326614.

In addition to the Friday night event, CIBA Vision has a full and exciting programme on both the exhibition stand and at the podium. Delegates will have the opportunity to hear about the latest CIBA Vision innovations and practice support initiatives at the stand and in the Monarch room at 2.10pm on Sunday. In addition, lunch will be served from 1.00pm in the Pavilion Room as Dr Tim Giles presents the latest technology that improves patient comfort through innovation in lens materials.

CooperVision 56

At this year's BCLA, Platinum Sponsor CooperVision will be showcasing its comprehensive product range - offering a contact lens option for 99 per cent of all patient prescriptions. The range includes Proclear 1 Day, Biofinity and the new Proclear extended monthly disposable range, Proclear Toric XR, Proclear Multifocal XR and Proclear Multifocal Toric. CooperVision will be hosting a workshop over lunch at 1pm on Saturday May 31 in the Pavilion where it will be discussing the benefits of its product range and the technology behind the lenses.

David Thomas Contact Lenses 21 & 22

DTCL will feature the Essential GP Multifocal design, new additions to the Rose K2 family of lenses and the Comfort O2 GP silicone hydrogel material. Also featured will be the Freshcare XC monthly replacement lens, an upgraded hydrogel that offers improved comfort, and a new hyper Dk GP material, Boston XO2. For orthokeratology, the Paragon CRT design is available through the Paragon CRT Ks and Rx Program and DTCL guarantees same-day delivery. There will be also news of the latest PCT-200 corneal topographer.

Elsevier 33

Grafton Optical 48 & 49

Grafton will be showing the latest versions of the Medmont corneal topographer software and Eyescape retinal camera software. To compliment the Reichert tonometers it will be demonstrating its range of Reichert and DGH pachymeters. Given the importance of detecting glaucoma and AMD in the early stages, the company will be showing the Optovue OCT, which allows retinal, cornea and glaucoma scans to be done by one instrument. The Moorfields produced 'Normative Database' is included and automatically detects 'normal', 'suspect' and 'defect'. Unique scan patterns detect early ganglion cell loss well in advance of current detection methods, says Grafton.

Haag-Streit 30 & 31

Visit stands 30 and 31 to see a new-generation retinal camera from Canon that will be launched at the show. A limited edition slit lamp, the Diamond edition BQ900, celebrates 150 years of Haag-Streit and will shown with the IM900 fully integrated imaging solution. The Procyon P3000 USB Pupillometer allows accurate measurement of pupil size, an essential element of surgical planning for phakic IOLs and refractive surgery, using a video imaging technique, where standard illumination is automatically controlled. The Heidelberg HRT3 completes the line-up on the Haag-Streit stand.

Hilco Europe 46

Hilco Europe will be attending the BCLA conference for the first time in its 25-year history. The company will showcase its expanding line of ophthalmic products, in association with sister company Wilson Ophthalmic. Wilson has resources that allow it access to over 10,000 products, many of which are supplied to opticians in the UK through Hilco Europe. Visit stand 46 to see Hilco's ophthalmic products, including specialist contact lens supplies and consumables. Also available will be the new Hilco 2008/9 dispensing and workshop consumable catalogue.

i-GO Optical 5

Following the launch of i-GO Overnight Vision Correction Lenses (OVC) at Wembley Stadium in January, i-GO Optical will showcase its business model at BCLA. In line with its mission to develop the market for OVC in the UK and provide a new business opportunity for eye care professionals, i-GO is currently working with selected independent practices using a targeted marketing programme to drive new customers into accredited outlets. i-GO is attending BCLA ahead of the company's national rollout in major towns across the UK towards the end of 2008.

Jack Allen 1

Once again Bill and Kim Wilson will be in attendance on the stand to discuss the Jack Allen lens range. Of interest to many practitioners will be the wide variety of lens designs and materials available from the company, including speciality lenses such as Preslux Multifocal, S-Lim, Profile and Aspheri. They will also be discussing new ideas and innovations that are in the pipeline for the future. They look forward to seeing both old and new customers alike.

Johnson & Johnson Vision Care 47

Platinum sponsors, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care invite you to a specially themed evening on Thursday titled 'Ignite your Imagination' including Olympic flames, fireworks, acrobats, fire and fun. With an inspirational array of talent and Chinese food and entertainment, the event promises to be an evening of Olympian proportions! Innovation is the theme at Johnson & Johnson Vision Care's stand, 47, where it will celebrate 20 years since the launch of Acuvue, the first disposable contact lens, and looking forward to the next innovations as well as hosting fun interactive games to take part in.

Keeler 3 & 4

On display at this year's BCLA will be the Vantage Plus LED indirect ophthalmoscope. This new model features an LED light to illuminate the retina with greater detail and a new slimline lithium battery that provides up to six hours of use on a single charge. Also on show will be the redesigned Pulsair intelliPuff tonometer that boasts a lighter puff of air to gently measure IOP. In addition, Keeler will showcase its Non Myd fundus camera and digital slit lamp alongside a selection of existing products such as retinoscopes, autorefractors and the Accutome Pachpen Pachymeter.

Mainline Instruments 54 & 55

The BCLA will mark the European launch of the new CG Auto II from Neitz, offering the contact lens manufacturer a fast, objective method of measuring finished or semi-finished lenses. From Tomey comes the TMS 4 Topographer with auto-shot function and keratoconus screening software. The RT7000 is an auto refractor/topographer with colour touch screen alignment, KAI and KRI functions. Mainline will also be demonstrating the new Huvitz HRK7000 auto refractor, which uses wavefront technology, and a new slit-lamp imaging system.

mark'ennovy 39

mark'ennovy specialises in toric and multifocal contact lenses that give healthcare professionals an edge in the marketplace. Visit stand 39 to see the range of optician-only lenses, including the Equilibria multifocal toric with a 60 per cent first-fit success rate and seven base curves, and the Xtensa Astigmatism monthly toric with cyls up to -5.75DC.

Maui Jim 63

Maui Jim sunglasses were born on the Hawaiian island of Maui nearly 20 years ago. Sean Collins describes the lens as remarkable, not only using the finest polarizing filters but also exclusive technology that replaces and renews the natural colours that are dulled by traditional sunglasses. 'Patients should have the opportunity to try the very best to compliment their contact lens experience. Sunglasses should be about protection, comfort and an enhanced visual experience. Maui Jim delivers just that. Try us!'

Menicon 69

In addition to the PremiO silicone hydrogel launched last year, Menicon is introducing several new products in the near future, such as Menicon/NKL Hibright (a hybrid contact lens), Menicon Spray&Clean (a spray-type contact lens cleaner), and MeniCare PremiO (a new MPS specifically for silicone hydrogels). The company's first daily disposable Flat Pack lenses are expected to be launched in the next few years. On Saturday May 31, Menicon will be presenting the most recent PremiO research findings in the Pavilion from 3.30 to 3.45pm.

Nikon Optical 45

High quality spectacle lens manufacturer Nikon Optical UK will once again be exhibiting at the BCLA Clinical Conference & Exhibition, Stand 45 in the King Suite. Staff will be present to talk about the very latest lenses and coatings available from Nikon. With the recent introduction of the SeeSeries family of progressive and single-vision lenses - complimented by SeeCoat, the flagship lens coating, Nikon offers spectacle lenses for wearers who wish to experience the very best of vision.

Nikon will also be sponsoring the Clinical Photographic Competition by donating a digital SLR camera. The winner of the competition will be announced at 16:30 on the Saturday in the Arden room.

No7 12,13,14

Join No7 for a buck's fizz breakfast as it celebrates the launch of Signature, a new range of aberration-controlled lenses designed from topographical data. Experience the simplicity of Signature and a demonstration of the new Piccolo topographer and software - there's also a chance to win a 'bespoke' prize worth over £1,000. Don't miss out as No7 also unveils the new Icon multicurve lens and take part in the bowling challenge for the chance to win a Nintendo Wii.

Northern Lenses 29

Northern Lenses will be demonstrating the latest software for the Wave Contact Lens System, which is free to users of the Keratron - Scout or Medmont topographer. The software allows the practitioner to design ortho-K, multifocal and keratoconic lenses and more. There are now three available options at the design stage: self design, auto design or 'forward to a specialist' to design. Northern also specialises in any form of RGP lenses.

Ocuco 38

Ocuco will be present with the latest updates of its UK products, Acuitas and FOCUS, which include a full range of add-ons and companion stand-alone software. These cover many areas in the running and administration in practice (from clinical imaging to SMS and equipment links), and allow the customer to tailor their systems to their needs. Ocuco has been working hard to bring opticians and their suppliers closer together and this is an opportunity to see what progress has been made.

OptiMed 6,7,8

Capture patients' attention in the waiting area with the latest digital signage solutions from OptiMed. i-Vue uses CAPTIV8 animations to present the benefits of lens technologies, contact lenses and spectacle frames, and to explain eye conditions such as glaucoma. Optimed has developed a 'live' signage system that automatically updates as new animations become available. The system comes in three formats, all with split-screen technology so patients see the animations and a customised message. i-Vue is now available on large plasma or LCD displays oriented vertically or horizontally.

Optisoft 64

Optisoft users can upgrade to the new Optisoft Enterprise Edition at the BCLA for the special show price of £795. Bringing many enhancements to the widely used practice management software, this update is based on Microsoft Windows, to run on all modern platforms - XP, Vista and Office 2007. Better navigation, full screen patient records and a search facility that is as easy as Googling, are among the advantages, says Optisoft.

Optix Software 50 & 51

Optix Enterprise helps optometrists to manage patients, staff, suppliers, operations and finances. It is a true business management application that allows you to unlock the potential that exists within your business. Using Optix Enterprise you can react faster, make better decisions and improve your business performance. Helping you to deliver exceptional customer service with management from anywhere at any time. Freed from the traditional IT housekeeping burden you can focus on the real business issues, resulting in improved patient care, increased sales and real profit growth. Using a clean, modern, intuitive user interface Optix Enterprise sends to both patients and staff the clear message that your business is embracing cutting edge technology. Optix Enterprise is licensed for an affordable all inclusive monthly fee, with no initial software costs and no minimum contract period. Full pricing details and further in depth information is available at stand 50/51 or on www.optix.co.uk.

Optometry Today 10b

Optos 58

Visit stand 58 to see the Optomap Retinal Exam by Optos which produces a single high-resolution, ultra-widefield scan of the retina. Features and benefits include up to 200º in one capture, images captured without dilation and immediate image display and storage for future reference. The system is easy to integrate into the optometric practice and can be used as a patient education tools. No capital outlay is required and regular software updates are supplied.

Paragon Vision Sciences 24

Paragon Vision Sciences is a progressive manufacturer of oxygen permeable material used in the manufacturing of contact lenses by UK laboratories such as Cantor & Nissel, CIBA Vision, David Thomas, Jack Allen, No 7, and Scotlens. The company also manufactures lenses used for CRT treatment (Ortho-k), and sells them through David Thomas in the UK. To learn how Paragon CRT can reshape your practice, visit www.paragoncrt.com/BCLA or email BCLAinfo@paragonvision.com.

Performance Finance 2

Performance Finance caters for all your finance needs. If you are new to finance, it will guide you to the right solution for your requirements. If you normally use a bank, the company will demonstrate the tax savings that can be achieved but also the ability to spread VAT and so lessen any de minimis problems. If you use a regular finance company, visit stand 2 to discuss Performance Finance's competitive rates and its services.

Professional Financial Services 59

Now in its 17th year, at the forefront of funding exclusively the optical profession, PFS offers leasing and purchase facilities, with an accent on VAT and tax advice. Find out more about the introduction of new capital allowances, as well as a new and extensive loan facility for tax and VAT bills, practice purchase and re- fit.

Sauflon 65

Sauflon will be exhibiting its range of Optician Only contact lenses and solutions at this years BCLA Conference & Exhibition.

Sauflon will feature its Bioclear 'Family' - Bioclear monthly, Bioclear Toric and its most recent addition, Bioclear 1 Day. All these lenses contain AquAtract which retains water in the lens matrix for longer periods, providing improved wearer comfort.

Sauflon will also feature 'Synergi', its unique preservative free multipurpose solution formulated especially for silicone hydrogel lenses.

For more details on these and the complete range of Sauflon's optician only products, visit stand 65 at BCLA 2008.

Scotlens 61

Scotlens will be demonstrating its new ScotLink software which allows practitioners to fit ortho-K lenses, including toric designs, at the click of a button. The software is provided free of charge to design and modify the company's Nocturnal Ortho-K lens. Also available will be details of K-Contour, a new keratoconic system lens, as well as a new bifocal range. Scotlens designs are supported by single-use RGP diagnostic sets. Let Scotlens be your local lab - pop in for a chat.

See20/20 23

Described as the first system to offer practice management from a single location, See20/20 provides real-time information on contact lens details and appointments, clinical records, daily dispensings and cash payments. Recent improvements, says the company, include direct debiting plus a payment management system, and contact lens ordering now links direct to suppliers. See20/20 is again sponsoring the cyber café at the conference.

Snowbird Finance 10a

According to Snowbird, there is no 'one fits all' solution when it comes to financing practice and personal needs. This company specialises in tailor-made financial solutions, with options including leasing, lease purchase, practice and personal vehicle finance and credit line. Snowbird Finance was founded by Simon Freeman, who has 18 years' experience in this sector, and works only with the medical professions.

Stat One Services 60

This instrument supplier will be introducing the new Oculus PARK system, the latest slim-line 3:1 combining pachymeter, auto refractor and keratometer functions. Staff will also be demonstrating the latest EYESI Cataract Virtual Reality Simulator so come along to test your surgical skills and have fun!

Topcon 17,18,19,25,26,27

At BCLA 2008, Topcon will showcase the TRC-NW8 imaging system with new features such as auto focus, auto shoots and auto pupil detection. The TRK 1P is a combined non-contact tonometer/auto kerato/refractometer and pachymeter in one instrument with one footprint. The SL-D7 DV-1 digital slit lamp offers an anterior segment imaging solution complete with yellow filter and tight focus diaphragm for increased depth of focus. Also on the stand will be the CA-100F topographer with live fluorescein capture, capable of dynamic contact lens fitting. Completing the Topcon range will be the 3D OCT-1000 ocular coherent tomography system.

UltraVision 36,37,40,41

All UltraVision's contact lens designs, incorporating award-winning wavefront optics, are now available in silicone hydrogel material and can be lathe-cut to any prescription. With 74 per cent water content and no surface treatment, these low modulus lenses provide comfort all day long and are suitable for all wearers, says UltraVision. HydroWave and KeraSoft 3 are both three-monthly planned replacement lenses and are available in spheres, torics, multifocal spheres and multifocal torics. The UltraVision range of hospital lenses is now available in silicone hydrogel and can be tinted to your requirements.

Vitabiotics 42

Visionace is a nutritional supplement designed to help maintain healthy eyes and vision. Vitabiotics has developed a formulation of antioxidant vitamins, bilberry extract, natural carotenoids, and minerals such as selenium and zinc. Each tablet also provides lutein esters, which have been found to increase macular pigment density. Visionace Plus is the latest addition to the range and combines the original Visionace tablet with a lutein-enriched Omega-3 capsule. Recent research suggests Omega-3 fatty acids may play an important role in maintaining eye health with age.

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