Andrew D. Pucker, OD, PhD, UAB School of Optometry assistant professor, has successfully completed his fellowship in the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA). Only about 200 contact lens professionals from the international community of contact lens industry and practice have achieved this distinction since it was introduced in 2006.  

The aim of the BCLA Fellowship is to recognize a member’s esteem in the field of contact lenses and the anterior eye. It allows them to use the affix FBCLA, which shows their commitment to the Association and any significant contribution they may have made to the field. 

“One of the greatest joys I have found in academia is being able to participate in an international community of experts,” Pucker said. “The BCLA has allowed me this amazing opportunity, enabling me to network with a group of like-minded colleagues to help advance the field of contact lenses.”

Pucker has been the Principal Investigator of a National Eye Institute-funded project related to myopia development and manages other projects related to contact lenses, dry eye, and refractive error development. He is a Contributing Editor for Contact Lens Spectrum, a Fellow and Diplomate of the American Academy of Optometry, and a Fellow of the Scleral Lens Education Society. He has also received several other honors, including two William C. Ezell Fellowships, the Irvin M. and Beatrice Borish Award, the Association of Schools & Colleges of Optometry’s Rising Star Award, and been named Emerging Vision Scientist by the Alliance for Eye and Vision Research.