BCLA chief executive to step down

Cheryl Donnelly

After six years at the helm of the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA), Cheryl Donnelly is to step down as chief executive.

She said: “The BCLA has always played a huge part in my career – it is fundamental to anyone who has an interest in contact lenses and the anterior eye. I have been hugely privileged to work alongside so many incredible people over the years and I can look back with an enormous sense of pride on everything we have achieved together. It will continue to be a major part of my life ¬– I will be watching on as a member and I look forward to seeing what the future holds.

“The organisation is in a good place, with a global reputation for excellence. We have a passionate, dedicated and enthusiastic council full of ideas for how to take the BCLA to the next level. The BCLA has always been keen to embrace change and be receptive to new ways of working. Now is the time for the BCLA to put that into practice and to write an exciting new chapter for itself as I prepare for my next challenge and adventure.”

During her time as chief executive, Cheryl achieved an increased worldwide reach for the BCLA, including the launch of a new conference in Asia. She was responsible for the organisation’s 40th birthday celebrations and oversaw a number of hugely successful BCLA clinical conferences and exhibitions, most recently in Manchester earlier this year.

She played a pivotal role in the launch of a new suite of exclusive member resources, including the No Water stickers and Contact Lens Dos and Don’ts factsheets, and paved the way for the launch of webinars and live-streamed lectures to allow more members to access exclusive BCLA content.

BCLA president, Jonathon Bench, commented: “Cheryl Donnelly has been a titan of the BCLA who has a long-lasting legacy to be proud of. She has been a true pioneer and embraced the culture of change and innovation that lies at the heart of the association.

“Cheryl has worked tirelessly to transform, modernise and enhance the member experience and all of us who have benefited from her infectious enthusiasm and determination owe her a huge debt of gratitude.

“The challenge is now on for us to ensure her legacy lives on. We must channel her energy and her can-do attitude to ensure the BCLA continues to push boundaries and reach a new generation of eye care practitioners to guide the optical 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 in the coming days. For more information, visit www.bcla.org.uk