New BCLA president plans for an 'inclusive and accessible' future

Rakesh Kapoor has succeeded Neil Retallic as president of the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA). 

The appointment was announced at the BCLA Clinical Conference and Exhibition in Manchester Central in June, where Kapoor described his vision for an 'inclusive and accessible' future enabled by skills and knowledge sharing, which would help navigate unprecedented changes.  

Kapoor said: ‘I'm hoping to bridge the gap between the independents and the multiples and show that you don't need to be of an academic or research background to be a part of the BCLA. It is an inclusive and accessible association that offers something for everyone. 

‘The core of the BCLA’s membership is made up of specialist independents and we won't move away from that, but we do have to understand that multiples cater for the majority of contact lens supply and fitting in the UK and, therefore, it's just as important they are aware of what's available to help care for patients and ensure best outcomes.’