My Experience at the Asia Optometric Congress’ First Specialty Contact Lens Accreditation Course
Last December 17-18, the Asia Optometric Congress, in collaboration with its Specialty Contact Lens arm—the Asia Specialty Contact Lens Academy—held its inaugural Specialty Contact Lens Accreditation Course. The event, hosted at the prestigious Marco Polo Hotel in Ortigas, was an exceptional gathering of professionals passionate about advancing specialty contact lens care.
Initially, I approached the two-day seminar with modest expectations. Having been fitting Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses since 2013, thanks to my training with GB Vision Care and the mentorship of its president, Dr. Geoffrey Co, I assumed the content might feel somewhat elementary. However, I was pleasantly surprised as the discussions unfolded.
As the seminar progressed, the depth and complexity of the topics exceeded my expectations. The sessions on Multifocal RGP lenses and managing Irregular Corneas were particularly enlightening. The speakers went beyond the basics, delving into advanced customization techniques for Hard Contact Lenses—not just tweaking Base Curve and Diameter, but exploring how to optimize lens designs for better fit and comfort in a variety of clinical scenarios.
One of the most inspiring aspects of the event was the opportunity to learn alongside renowned professionals such as Tok Chuan Tan of TC Tan Optometrist in Malaysia, and Dr. Joserine Samson-Brogan, the Dubai-based Global Ambassador of the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) for the Middle East and Africa. Their insights, shaped by years of experience, elevated the seminar to an entirely new level of expertise and engagement.
This course reminded me of the importance of continuous learning, even for those of us who have been in the field for years. The ever-evolving advancements in specialty contact lenses challenge us to refine our skills and broaden our perspectives, ensuring we provide the best care for our patients.
Overall, this event was not just an academic exercise—it was a reminder of why we do what we do. It reinforced the importance of staying at the forefront of innovation in optometry, particularly in specialty contact lenses. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have been part of this pioneering course and am looking forward to applying these learnings in my practice.
About the author:
Dr. Mark Paroli is a Filipino optometrist with a special focus on Orthokeratology and Myopia Management for children, Prosthetic Eyes, and Specialty Contact Lenses, including Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses, Kerasoft Lenses, and Scleral Lenses. He practices at Soliman Paroli Optical and the Soliman Paroli Eye Center, where he is committed to providing advanced and personalized eye care solutions for his patients.