The UK society foreveryone in refractive surgery
Founded in 1993, we’re the only UK society open to any professional involved in refractive surgery. Each year our members come together to share new developments and best practice.
Our story
From a small forum to a national society
1993
Founded as the BEKLS
A forum for eye doctors, optometrists and allied health professionals to discuss new treatments and technology.
1990s
Members vote to broaden our scope
Widening the society’s focus as the field developed.
1998
We become BSRS
The British Society for Refractive Surgery.
Today
Open to all professionals
The only UK society open to any professional involved in refractive surgery. Our 33rd Annual Scientific Congress took place in London in 2026.
The BSRS was established in 1993 under the initial name of the BEKLS (British Excimer Laser and Keratorefractive Laser Society).
It provided ophthalmologists, optometrists and other allied health professionals a forum to discuss information on the latest advances in treatment and technology.
The 90s saw rapid advancements in treatments and technologies and as a result members were balloted to expand the scope of the society.
In 1998 the British Society For Refractive Surgery was formed to take the place of the BEKLS , giving members an open forum to discuss all aspects of refractive surgery.
Today
Today, we are the only UK Society that invites any professional who is involved in Refractive surgery to join. Members from across the country meet annually to share and learn about the latest developments and best practice in our areas of expertise.