The International Society of Contact Lens Specialists is a non-profit organization comprised of distinguished contact lens practitioners and educators. The ISCLS is dedicated to professional education for its members, and provides expert consultation, facilitates scientific research and advocates quality contact lens patient care.

Friendship has always been, and continues to be, the cornerstone of the ISCLS. Started in 1953, just seven years after the end of World War II, it was the world’s first international contact lens society, and a great testament to the power of personal friendship overcoming cultural and national suspicions and reservations.

The ISCLS invites leaders from all over the world, both practitioners and researchers, in the contact lens field to become members and affiliates of the society and to meet periodically to share knowledge about developments.

I was fortunate to receive and invite to speak at the recent confernce held in Washington DC and to be subsequently invited to become an associate member. The conference was held over three days in the Kimpton Monaco hotel in Washington DC and included talks by the leading expersts in the contact lens field. Topics ranged from gene therapy, disinfection, scleral lenses, orthokeratology, myopia control, drug delivery with contact lenses, optical aberation and correction, dry eye, and digital eye strain. It was truly an honour to be invited to become a member of this esteemed society.

Dirk Booysen October 2018