BCLA recruits fellowship lead

A senior researcher and optometrist has been appointed to oversee the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) fellowship scheme and encourage more members to come forward.

Dr Sònia Travé Huarte is a clinical supervisor on the optometry programme at Aston University. She specialises in dry eye diagnostics and treatments, anterior ocular surface disease management, specialist contact lenses, Meibomian gland dysfunction and corneal pain.

The new role will see her planning and arranging the application and approval procedure for fellowship.

Chief executive Luke Stevens-Burt said: “We wanted a dynamic and enthusiastic individual to uphold and nurture the BCLA Fellowship scheme to a global audience, and we are very much looking forward to working closely with Sònia to enhance the BCLA’s reputation, increase membership and to further foster our reputation as a forum for interchange of knowledge and education.”

Dr Travé Huarte will check all fellowship submissions meet the required criteria before candidates present themselves for vivas ahead of the June conference. She will also advise on the future fellowship strategy and act as the BCLA’s ambassador in encouraging new fellowships.

For more information on the scheme, visit www.bcla.org.uk