Meet a Council Member: Neil Retallic
Tell us a bit about yourself?
I am Neil. I live in Nottingham and like to stay fit and healthy by regularly attending the gym. I went to UMIST to study Optometry and qualified as an optometrist in 2006. I have worked in a variety of roles across the sector for contact lens suppliers, education providers, universities, high street opticians chain and in practice. I enjoy travelling and have pet dogs.
Why did you join BCLA?
I love contact lenses and had the opportunity to become involved in contact lens teaching at the University of Manchester. I attended a BCLA conference and found my approach to contact lens practice improved following the great relevant education on offer. I was hungry to learn more, so joined and further improve so became a BCLA member.
Why did you apply for council?
I wanted to help shape the future of contact lens education and raise the profile of contact lenses. Being a council member gives the chance to be part of a fantastic network who are passionate about contact lenses and their fellow members. The best part is knowing you can be a voice for the members and input into the strategic direction of the BCLA, keeping it relevant and find new approaches of promoting contact lenses and anterior eye.
What message would you like to give to members/non-members?
I believe contact lenses should be offered to all patients as an eye wear option in additional to spectacles. The world of contact lenses and anterior eye is rapidly evolving, which is exciting and we should embrace the new technology and innovation, to provide our wearers with the most suitable options to match their needs.
Biggest CL challenges?
The biggest challenge is how do we keep patients happy with contact lenses and reduce dropout rates, with products that are eco-friendly products and complement the ocular surface. I think there is further work to be done in developing contact lens solutions for patients with ocular pathology and the therapeutic aspects.
Biography
Neil Retallic is the European Professional Services Director for Menicon and an Assessor and Examiner for the College of Optometrists. His previous roles include Professional Services Manager for CooperVision, Learning and Development Manager for Vision Express and Optometry Teaching Fellow for the University of Manchester. He has been involved with various organisations across the sector and is currently part of the GOC Education Committee, Chair of the BCLA Education Committee and immediate Past Chair of the British and Irish University and College Contact Lens Educators. He has been awarded fellowships from the BCLA and IACLE.