The former Optometry Australia (OA) president was not on hand to accept the award at the BCLA Awards Cerony in Liverpool earlier this month, but she did film an acceptance speech that was shown on the night.{{image2-a:r-w:200}}Gifford received the award for her work as a clinician at the forefront of evidence-based practice, and for achieving Fellowships of the BCLA, International Association of Contact Lens Educators, Cornea and Contact Lens Society of Australia, and the American Acady of Optometry. She has also presented more than 80 lectures at conferences across the globe on myopia control, contact lenses and paediatrics.According to Australian Optometry, the immediate past president of the BCLA, Mr Brian Tompkins (who handed over to new president Mr Keith Tpany at the awards cerony) described Gifford as a deserving winner.“Kate is without doubt the global face of myopia control. Her initiatives in starting the Facebook groups and discussion forums as well as all her acadic prowess make her stand out as a leader in the field. Add to that her practice focus and speaking topics and you have the basis for her Queen of Myopia Control title,” he said.Meanwhile, three other Australian optometrists were inducted as Fellows of the BCLA at the same cerony. Brisbane’s Mr David Stephensen and Mr Stephen Vincent received the honour, along with Melbourne-based Ms Jessica Chi.Their additions mean there are now 18 Australian BCLA Fellows.
IMAGE: British Contact Lens Association awards night. Image courtesy: British Contact Lens Association.
