Presbyopia

Neil Retallic BSc (Hons), MCOptom, Prof Cert LV, PGCert Clinical Optometry, FBCLA, FIACLE is an optometrist with experience in practice, education, and professional services. He is currently the Head of Professional Development at Specsavers and an assessor and examiner for the College of Optometrists. Previously, he worked in the contact lens industry, progressing from UK to global roles. Prior to this, he held several teaching positions at various UK universities and worked both in-store and in support centre roles for multiple opticians. He is currently completing a PhD on the mental welfare status of the optical profession. He has served as a council and committee member for numerous organisations across the sector. He is currently an executive trustee and a past president of the BCLA. Additionally, he has been actively involved in charity work with Vision Aid Overseas and the Special Olympics.

Rakhee Thakrar is a Senior Professional Affairs Associate with Bausch + Lomb since 2019. She qualified as an Optometrist in 2009 and has gained much hands-on experience and knowledge over this time. She has worked in numerous practices as a locum optometrist which include high street chains and independent Opticians. She has also enjoyed her role as a secondary supervisor to pre-registration Optometrists whilst in practice, where she was able to encourage and empower students to achieve.

Dr Sarah Smith has worked in a wide variety of roles in the optical industry. These have included multiple and independent practices, in research, teaching and for manufacturers. In 2012, she was awarded her PhD which looked at the role of optometrists in the UK. Sarah spent four years in contact lens professional services before becoming a practice owner in 2014. Having a small independent practice allows for the flexibility to continue with lecturing, writing and being mum to three children. Sarah’s main interests are contact lenses and dry eye; her work in this area allowed her to gain the BCLA fellowship in 2018.

Richard Smith is the Head of Professional Affairs EMEA at Bausch + Lomb, bringing over 25 years of experience in the optical industry, including a decade specifically within the contact lens sector. In addition to his role at Bausch + Lomb, Richard serves as the Chairman of the Association of Contact Lens Manufacturers (ACLM) and is a board member of Euromcontact.
Richard's career began in optical retail management, where he gained extensive experience working across key accounts and the independent optical sector. Throughout his career, Richard has focused on the development and management of high-performing teams, with a commitment to mentorship and guiding and supporting the professional growth of his colleagues and team members