Chief executive of BCLA announces departure

The chief executive of the BCLA has announced he is stepping down from the role, and thanked members for continuing to drive ‘clinical excellence’ across the contact lens sector.

Luke Stevens-Burt will leave the BCLA after more than five years at the helm of the organisation, having bolstered its reputation as a hugely respected global body on contact lenses, the anterior eye and the ocular surface.

He said: “I feel incredibly privileged to have had this opportunity to be part of an inspirational association that operates in such a unique space. We have achieved a lot, and it has been humbling to work with such a dedicated staff team and passionate volunteers to deliver our ambitious work programme. I am grateful to our commercial partners for their support during this time. The continued engagement and enthusiasm from our members is incredible. There are exciting times ahead and I am certain the BCLA will excel.”

During his time as chief executive Luke oversaw the publication of the well-received BCLA CLEAR papers and presided over successful BCLA Clinical Conferences and Exhibitions, BCLA Asia in China and the collaboration between BCLA Focus and Optometry Tomorrow. This has been bolstered by numerous new partnerships forged in the interests of education and thought leadership.

Under his watch, the BCLA continued its popular series of webinars and live-streamed lectures to allow more members than ever before to access exclusive content no matter where they are in the world.

President Sarah Farrant said: “Luke has strived to modernise and enhance the member experience while cementing the BCLA’s position as a hugely influential global contact lens and ocular surface organisation.

“We are now embracing the opportunity to start a new chapter in the BCLA’s proud history as we begin the search for a successor who can help us to reach a new generation of eye care practitioners and guide the profession through what promises to be a hugely exciting period of change in the years to come.”
The post of chief executive is due to be advertised shortly. For more information, visit www.bcla.org.uk.