BCLA president shares vision of the future

Rakesh Kapoor, BCLA president

The new president of the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA), Rakesh Kapoor, has stressed the importance of embracing change, warning “If you don’t keep up, you risk going out of business”.

Currently employed as a clinical performance consultant for Specsavers, as well as being a joint venture partner in four Specsavers practices in north west London, Rakesh is aiming to encourage more eyecare practitioners with a background in multiples to join the Association.

He said: “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.

“Some of the research findings that were presented at the [recent clinical] conference were incredible, with some seriously impressive lectures and workshops, and I want to make sure as many eyecare practitioners as possible enjoy the benefits and foresight it provides.

“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.”

Rakesh graduated from Aston University in 1991 and spent his pre-reg year working with an independent practice before becoming a locum with Specsavers, eventually opening the firm’s second-ever branch in London. The Wembley store was the first of six he ran and he currently has 60 employees, including a clinical team of 14, across four sites. He has previously been the representative for London on the College of Optometrists’ council and is a visiting lecturer at Aston University.

He added: “Change in the profession is arguably at its strongest curve any of us have seen in our lifetime, if you don’t keep up you’re pretty much de-skilled so it’s vital that eyecare practitioners give themselves the best possible access to up-to-the-minute research and technology.”

Rakesh will lead the BCLA for the next 12 months – a period that will see the return of BCLA Asia, to be held in Chengdu province in China next spring, and Optometry Tomorrow, a new collaboration with the College of Optometrists.

BCLA chief executive, Luke Stevens-Burt, said: “I’m looking forward to working closely with Rakesh as we build on the success of the clinical conference and exhibition to develop a calendar of activities for members over the next year. His knowledge and expertise of the multiples sector will be invaluable as we continue to evolve the BCLA and welcome new members from across the world.”