Chief concerns for BCLA’s new executive

The midst of the coronavirus pandemic is a strange time to start a job, especially one as the chief executive of the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) when many practices are providing a much-reduced service. Luke Stevens-Burt succeeded the former chief executive Cheryl Donnelly and took up his position in April. The new chief set out his vision for the BCLA in an open letter to its members where he detailed his plans to focus on professional development and raising the profile of the profession.

Covid-19’s impact on the start of Stevens-Burt’s tenure has been considerable but has not deterred his focus. He explained: ‘This situation is far from ideal, but I’m managing through. Fortunately, the team are used to working remotely and I certainly have worked remotely enough in the past to understand the requirements of it and how it works. The difficulty of it is starting with a new team and in a new organisation.’