Applications open to fill vacancies on BCLA council

The British Contact Lens Association is inviting applications to fill three vacancies on a group that oversees the organisation’s ongoing development and growth.

Practice owner Rakesh Kapoor, ophthalmologist Christopher Liu and hospital optometrist Jonathan Jackson will all complete their terms on the BCLA Council later this summer, and the process to find their replacements is now underway.

BCLA chief executive Brad Parkes said: “Our Council underpins everything we do, and Rakesh, Christopher and Jonathan have proved to be a huge asset to us over the years. 

“Their absolute commitment to promoting and furthering the ideals of the contact lens and related anterior eye element within the profession has been infectious and they leave behind big shoes to fill. We thank them for time and effort and wish them well for future endeavours.

“The BCLA has undertaken a large project to change direction, and we will see the foundation stones of this plan implemented this summer. These are just the first steps, and there are many more to come as we continue to work to transform our beloved association.

“Now is a great time to get involved, so we would love to hear from anyone with a deep-seated passion and interest in contact lens and anterior eye health. We want to know why you feel you and your skillset can benefit us, and how you feel you will contribute to the ongoing development and growth of the BCLA.”

BCLA council members are expected to know, understand and support the Association’s mission, goals, policies, programmes, services, strengths, and needs. The Council has ultimate responsibility for directing the affairs of the association, ensuring it is solvent, well-run and delivering the outcomes for which it has been set up. 

Key tasks include attendance at council meetings and participate in committee meetings and working groups and representing the BCLA at events and meetings including the BCLA Clinical Conference and webinars.

Applications are now open and will close on Friday, 5 June. A voting window will then open on Wednesday, 17 June, closing on Wednesday, 8 July. Successful candidates will be admitted at the AGM, taking place on Tuesday, 14 July. For more information, and to view the full description of the role, visit www.bcla.org.uk

Picture: BCLA. Left to right: Rakesh Kapoor, Sarah Farrant, David Webley, Byki Huntjens, Ian Sexton, Raquel Gil Cazorla, Debarun Dutta, Neema Ghorbani and Christopher Liu.