AOP Councillors

About Nicholas Hagan

I work for Specsavers professional services as a clinical consultant. My role encompasses patient care, access to care, professional development, and enhanced service provision. My role is practice based. I support clinical teams' training and development, alongside governance delivery and ensuring the highest standards of care.

My goal has always been to provide an environment that utilises optometrists’ full scope of practice. Embracing and delivering commissioned Enhanced Optical Services, while ensuring that each individual clinician has the confidence, proficiency, and support to provide the highest standards of care to our communities. Professionally I want optometry, as a whole, to have the confidence to deliver total eye healthcare in the primary care setting.

With changing models of care and rapidly increasing advancement of technology, all healthcare professions face challenge and opportunity in equal measure. As a profession we must expand our contribution to the diagnosis and management of conditions, for the benefit of all patient groups and the NHS. If we do not lead and shape the changes that need to happen, we will either be left behind, or worse still, left out.

About Reena Rani Anand

As a locum optometrist, I work at various stores within Leicestershire and Birmingham. I am a member of the Leicestershire LOC where I help organise CPD events.

I am a part-time clinical research optometrist working on a myopia management project at Aston University. We hope to obtain data to address the global health concern of myopia.

I currently organise Aston’s postgraduate optometry module practical workshops and teach in undergraduate practical clinics during term time.

I am the Walsall LOC CPD Officer and Secretary and also work with Optom Academy, a private teaching organisation, as a Mock OSCE Examiner, Tutor and Lecturer.

My interests in optometry include myopia management, binocular vision, contact lenses, medical retina and glaucoma. I am passionate about learning and optometric education. I have completed my professional certificate in glaucoma and medical retina and believe lifelong learning is essential in optometry to identify gaps in knowledge.

My background has given me great insights into the profession and how optometrists can support positive patient health outcomes. I am committed in ensuring patients receive the best possible care and can highlight challenges facing optometry services across the area so they can be addressed.

The role of optometrists is constantly evolving and expanding as we upskill and take on more responsibilities. With advancing technology and with an increasing number of eye conditions being managed within the community, it is important that extra guidance and training is provided to help support AOP members and protect the public.

With this increasing scope of practice, it is essential that we are paid adequately for any additional/ enhanced services offered.

I also understand the impact the current times have had on our mental health and wish to emphasise the importance of health and wellbeing.

About Jagdeep Kaur Gill

As a locum optometrist, my current work location is in Essex. I provide my services to a range of opticians, including both independent and chain stores.

As a newly qualified independent prescriber, I am eager to explore the clinical aspects of optometry. I am highly interested in advancing my skills in this area and hope to pursue opportunities in the near future

In my opinion, the most important issues for the optometry profession are the current crossroads that it faces and the opportunity for optometrists to become more clinically oriented. With legislative changes and possible reforms, it is vital for the sector to work collaboratively to find solutions that are fit for purpose. This inspires me to work at AOP and help shape the future of the profession.

About Simon Raw

I have worked for the Outside Clinic for the past 16 years and previously I was with Boots. I am a full-time domiciliary optometrist seeing mainly elderly house bound patients. I am also CPD lead for my company, and I guest lecture on domiciliary care at 11 universities. I am NEOS treasurer and former chair. I am a peer discussion author and facilitator. I am an AOP mentor too.

I love domiciliary because of my patients and promoting the benefits of this section of optometry to all. I enjoy teaching at universities and developing new innovative ways of teaching and CPD. I enjoy supporting and mentoring colleagues.

Collaboration and unifying the profession to give the best care to patients. Being suitably rewarded for our time and expertise. Upskilling as a profession to allow us to reduce the burden on HES.

About Sarah Lowry

I have a history of independent practice ownership. However, I changed direction a few years ago and now have roles as a Clinical Lead at Primary Eyecare Services, on NHSE Performers Advisory Group, and with GM East LOC, Confederation of GM LOCs, and Optometry Provider Board.

I am interested in how optometry is moving forward, increasing skills and scope of practice.

Ensure that our profession has the ability to upskill, increasing scope of practice without being held back by other professions and adequate funding for enhanced GOS services.

About Rachel Hiscox

I am an optometrist working full-time for Johnson & Johnson Vision as a professional educational & development manager.

I am interested in all aspects of contact lens practice, communication and optical coherence tomography.

The professional landscape of optometry is changing, with an ageing population and an over-stretched hospital eye service. Expanding the role of the optometrist would not only offer improved patient care, but also increase the scope of the optometrist. Working to forward this is a key challenge, along with ensuring any services are adequately funded to reflect the cost and experience of primary care optometrists.

About Karen Gennard

My main role is as an employed community optometrist in an independent practice in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. I also have a role as a clinic development manager for Vision Care for Homeless People. I am responsible for the set up and running of a clinic in Gloucester providing eyecare and spectacles for people who are homeless and vulnerable.

My interests are myopia management, enhanced services and reducing health inequalities.

Optometry faces some changes in the coming years and as health care practitioners we should be driving these changes. Our voice needs to be heard at a local, regional and national level.

About Sukhi Drake

I am a business owner in Birmingham, leading community-based practices. My roles vary from testing, management, training, and supervision. It is important to make sure my team feel valued and thrive in a healthy culture. Everyone is given the chance to succeed in any roles and opportunities. My role is to listen to colleagues and give constructive feedback. I am always ready to learn and give back to the community.

My professional interests are to help support the optical community by effective communication. I am Secretary of Solihull LOC, helping to bring my optical colleagues together efficiently by emails, social media platforms, and newsletters. I enjoy supporting training opticians and progression through their career. It is rewarding to share your skill sets and lay a strong foundation for new optometrists. I enjoy learning and setting myself challenges.

The optical profession has challenges in how AI can be used effectively in eye care and understanding its limitations. AI systems can reach decisions which can undermine trust and accountability. Encouraging diversity and sustainability by long term planning and right support is important. This gives variation to the way of working and core values. Everyone learns from each other and their outlooks and experiences in life.

About Catherine McGuckin

I currently work as a locum optometrist across independent and multiple practices in Northern Ireland. I am also privileged to supervise final year primary eyecare clinics at Ulster University.

I am interested in ocular disease prevention and management in primary care, so much so that I am currently training to be an independent prescriber. I enjoy myopia management clinics and find this work very rewarding.

The profession faces issues with realistic clinical loads, especially as more and more services are delegated to primary care. We need to have the skillset, time, and appropriate renumeration to carry out this vital work.

About Frances Jamieson

I work in my independent practice in a Scottish Highland village. Being in a rural area provides a very varied day of work, with plenty of opportunities to make use of independent prescribing. I am also Vice Chair of the Highland Area Optometric Committee.

I like to keep up with developments in our scope of practice, having obtained independent prescribing and NESGAT glaucoma qualifications.

I think communication is at the heart of many of our professional issues, and their solutions. We need better communication between primary and secondary care, between the profession and the public, and between areas of the UK.

About Johnathan Waugh

My time is split between NHS diabetic retinal screening and independent practice. I launched a new practice in January 2024 along with an optometry colleague and we are thoroughly enjoying the professional freedom that gives us.

I spent many years working full-time within ophthalmology clinics and developed an interest in glaucoma and pediatrics.

Our practice will soon be looking after community glaucoma patients and I am looking forward to the new challenges this will bring.

As a Scottish optometrist with a Unionist view, I am keen to make sure that the profession remains connected across the four nations, sharing successes and developing together.

In Scotland, our remit is evolving rapidly, and I would like to ensure that my colleagues (and their staff) have all the support they need to fulfil their duties and feel comfortable in practice.

About Martin Sweeney

I am a resident optometrist for a national chain in North Wales.

My interests are in dry eye management, anterior eye injuries, glaucoma assessments, and pre-reg supervision.

The new Welsh GOS scheme has given us a once in a generation opportunity to further enhance our capabilities within a primary care setting. We need to grasp every chance to improve our skill sets.

About Judith Tate

I am owner and principal optometrist at an independent opticians based within a multi-disciplinary health village in County Down, Northern Ireland. From its inception, the practice has embraced a collective ethos—working closely with GPs, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals to make a difference in the local community.

With a keen clinical interest in ocular disease and myopia management, I am committed to delivering advanced, evidence-based care that supports both vision and overall health. I have previously served on the Northern Ireland Optical Society, where we contributed to the advancement of the profession by supporting optometrists through continuing education programs and professional advocacy.

I believe that optometry plays a critical role in today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape—serving not only as primary eye care providers, but also as key players in early disease detection, preventative care, and health education. The full scope of optometric care is often under recognised by the public and even other healthcare professionals. As our healthcare system is facing increasing demands from ageing populations, chronic disease, and technological transformation, the importance of primary eye care professionals has never been greater.

About Erica Campbell Walker

I am an Independent Prescribing Optometrist with over 20 years of clinical experience and the Senior Specialist Lead for Simulation at NHS Education for Scotland where I plan, develop, and implement simulation-based education and training. I am also a locum optometrist.

I have a strong commitment to lifelong learning and recognise the need to remain up-to-date with current evidence-based practice. I am passionate about promoting professional development and encouraging professionals to access relevant training and development opportunities.

I believe that adapting to the evolving healthcare landscape, and increasing awareness of the critical role optometrists play in delivering high-quality healthcare services are the most important issues for the profession.

About Kamaljit Kalsi

I am an experienced optometrist based in Wales since 1999. My current role is a professional services optometrist for a leading domiciliary provider, ‘Outside Clinic’.

My current responsibilities include carrying out eye examinations and I am also office-based and support over 80 optometrists, alongside undertaking quality assurance procedures as part of the professional services team.

I am passionate about the domiciliary sector and believe it is highly rewarding. Equally, I am proud of the Welsh Government’s promotion of eye health.

I would intend to promote the profession across Wales but also the domiciliary sector including within our Universities and the wider public.

About Sarah White

I work in an independent practice in South Yorkshire, having been there for almost 11 years. My role is varied, as most business owners find in independent practice. I run contact lens clinics, dry eye clinics, work closely with optometrists on finding the perfect dispensing solution and fill the rest of my days with all the behind the scenes activities needed to run a successful optometric practice.

My interests lie in the realm of contact lens fitting and problem solving, having worked as a contact lens optician in a busy multiple, independent practice and also hospital settings. I also read everything I can around myopia control and dry eye as these are both trending upwards and will rely on practitioners to have the knowledge to support these individuals.

With an ageing population, myopia epidemic and dry eye on the increase there are many ways dispensing opticians can provide professional support to optometrists and increase their value to optometry practices. I would like to see dispensing opticians supported in training to push this even further and see their roles evolve into something more.

About Parminder Kaur

My domiciliary career started when a recruiter recommended a trial day. Eight years on, and five years as an ophthalmic director for Specsavers domiciliary, running and managing my own business, I have never looked back! My week consists of performing sight tests for people in their homes and care homes. Every day is varied from the testing environment, to adapting your routine to suit both the physical and cognitive needs of the patient. My role is split between testing and managing a business, with the sole focus of empowering and upskilling colleagues to best serve the needs of our vulnerable patients.

My professional aspirations are to ensure all patients have access to the same standard of eye care. After the COVID pandemic, I have seen a rise in cases where ocular pathology has gone unmanaged or undiagnosed, as patients are simply unable to attend High Street or hospital clinics. With the introduction of domiciliary shared-care pathways, we will be able to overcome these obstacles and prevent sight loss. I am invested in establishing clearer clinical management protocols in a domiciliary setting, where access to diagnostic equipment is often limited to empower clinicians to continue the great work that they do.

In a climate post-COVID, domiciliary service providers have been under increased pressure. Not only to provide enhanced eyecare but emotional support for those vulnerable patients who no longer feel safe leaving their homes. There can be a lack of awareness that a domiciliary eye test is available amongst patients or health practitioners, preventing access to eye care for those that need it most. Currently in England we are unable to provide urgent eyecare in comparison to High Street services. Coupled with pre-existing health problems our patients may have, these limiting factors can have a detrimental effect on quality of life.

About Desislava Pirkova

I am an independent practice owner and qualified dispensing optician, currently completing my final year of optometry studies at Aston University. My role involves overseeing the day-to-day running of two independent practices, supporting patients with personalised eye care, managing teams, and maintaining high clinical and professional standards. I am also a board member of the Leicester and Rutland LOC, which has given me valuable insight into local eye care services and the wider challenges facing the profession. Alongside practice management, I remain focused on clinical development, patient experience, and the future of independent opticians.

My professional interests include education, policy, and research, particularly in relation to the future of independent opticians and the delivery of high-quality patient care. I am passionate about continuous professional development, supporting standards within the profession, and contributing to discussions around emerging technologies, including AI, and their role in eye care.

In my view, some of the most important issues currently facing the profession are the funding and sustainability of enhanced clinical care, workforce upskilling, and infrastructure support for independent opticians. Practices are increasingly expected to use advanced technology such as OCT as part of routine eye examinations, yet funding and commissioning do not always reflect these additional costs. At the same time, continued investment in training and professional development is essential to support evolving clinical responsibilities. Independent opticians also need stronger infrastructure and practical support to remain sustainable while continuing to provide high-quality, community-based care.

About Mehul Patel

I am a managing director of a multiple franchise practice in Kent. I have worked as an OSCE examiner for WOPEC and presented multiple dry eye seminars to the profession.

My other interests are glaucoma management, myopia control and my practice actively promotes provision of enhanced services and independent prescribing.

The development and extension of enhanced services, embracing technological advances in eye care, and enhancing professional skills will form the substrate from which the profession meets future challenges.

I would like to make a change to the profession around the COVID ways of working and support optometrists and multiple owners in their work. The AOP platform can bring this together and support different groups.

About Indy Ghuman

I am a specialist optometrist at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in London, where I work across a range of services including glaucoma, medical retina, external disease, urgent care, and specialist contact lenses. My role involves the assessment and management of patients within multidisciplinary hospital settings, alongside involvement in audit, research, education, and service development. I am also currently undertaking an MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice in Ophthalmology at University College London.

My professional interests include advanced clinical practice, glaucoma, anterior eye disease, and the evolving role of optometrists within multidisciplinary care. I also have a strong interest in professional regulation, education, and workforce development, particularly in supporting early career optometrists. Alongside clinical practice, I value opportunities to contribute to mentorship, service improvement, and wider professional discussions that help shape the future direction of optometry.

I think some of the key issues facing the profession include workforce pressures, access to training opportunities, and supporting optometrists to work at the top of their scope safely and sustainably. The profession is evolving rapidly through expanded clinical roles and changing models of care, so maintaining high standards of education, supervision, and professional support will remain essential. I also think it is important that early career voices continue to be represented within wider professional discussions.

About Claire Gorman

I am a lecturer and Academic Lead at University of Plymouth where I teach across all years of the programme and am heavily involved in programme development.

I am interested in education, in particular, how we can engage with students in new and innovative ways.

The overwhelming demand on secondary eye care services and the delay in getting shared care schemes set up in the primary eye care setting. Allowing optometrists greater involvement in patient care is fundamental in improving treatment times.

About Niall Hynes

I am a senior lecturer in optometry at the University of Huddersfield and have taught at a number of institutions beginning in 2013. I currently teach on the Investigative Techniques and Paediatric Optometry modules. I have been admissions tutor at Huddersfield since 2021. Outside of academia, I continue to practice as a locum optometrist in Sheffield.

My current areas of research are myopia management and vision-impaired sport.

The development and rollout of MOptom programmes across the country is probably the biggest current issue in optometric education. As a profession that is continually evolving, optometry courses need to be able to adapt at the same pace to ensure that optometry graduates are properly prepared for their future profession.

About Rebecca Donnelly

I’ve recently joined the Hakim Group as a Joint Venture Partner at Millicans and Mansfield Opticians in Wells. My vision for the practice is to establish a strong clinical reputation while delivering a highly personalised, patient-centred service. To support this, my role involves developing and implementing clinical procedures, training and mentoring both the team and clinicians, and nurturing a positive, values-led team culture.

As a therapeutic optometrist with many years of hospital experience in glaucoma, contact lens and control services, I am passionate about the professional development of optometrists and providing a broader scope of service in the community. Having established a successful dry eye clinic within the community, I’ve seen first-hand how even small-scale implementation of therapeutic care can significantly improve patients’ quality of life. I am passionate about embracing new technologies and staying at the forefront of clinical advancements. I am also a strong advocate for raising awareness around myopia management and delivering evidence-based care—whether independently or in collaboration with other eye care providers where appropriate—to ensure patients receive the most effective and comprehensive support.

The aging population is driving a significant increase in demand for ophthalmology services, placing substantial pressure on an already overstretched system. As a result, there is growing momentum to expand the clinical and diagnostic responsibilities of optometrists, enabling more care to be delivered within community settings. Collaborative, integrated models of primary care offer a promising solution, relieving pressure on hospitals while improving access for patients. I hope that the evolving structure of the NHS will act as a catalyst for this necessary shift.

At the same time, innovations such as telemedicine, remote monitoring, virtual follow-ups, and AI-driven diagnostics are rapidly transforming how eye care is delivered. These tools have enormous potential to improve access, particularly for patients in rural or underserved areas, and to support earlier detection of ocular pathology. However, as we embrace these technologies, it is vital that we remain advocates for using them to enhance patient care, not diminish it. Their implementation must be guided by a careful balance of clinical safety, data privacy, appropriate training, and equitable access.

About Kiran Pannu-Dhillon

I work at Western Eye Hospital, where I lead glaucoma and cataract clinics, managing complex patients within a multidisciplinary ophthalmology service. I also hold an academic role as Lecturer and Module Lead in Medical Retina at City St George’s, University of London. In addition, I contribute nationally as an assessor for the College of Optometrists and work in private practice in central London.

My professional interests include glaucoma, medical retina, cataract care, and the development of optometrist-led hospital services. I am particularly interested in advancing extended clinical roles for optometrists, including laser procedures and advanced clinical decision-making within structured governance frameworks. I also have a strong focus on education and professional development, supporting optometrists to progress into specialist and advanced practice roles, and translating training and research into improved patient care.

Key challenges include increasing demand on NHS eye care services and the need to expand advanced optometric roles safely and consistently. Improved integration between hospital and community eye care is also essential to ensure efficient, seamless patient pathways and to support sustainable service delivery across the system.

About Ankur Trivedi

My working week consists of roles as a specialist optometrist – this is split between working in an Independent Community Practice setting and in a Glaucoma Shared Care Clinic at Gloucestershire NHS Trust. I also work part time in a clinical lead role for a Primary Eyecare Company.

Delivery of community enhanced optometry services – especially utilising higher qualifications. Independent prescribing, glaucoma and myopia management.

Making our collective voice heard amongst the key decision makers in Government. Maximising the clinical scope of those colleagues that wish to thereby ensuring a strong future for the profession.

About Deven Lakhani

Since selling my independent practice, I have enjoyed the freedom of having several varying roles which are different but complementary.

I have returned to providing clinical services as a locum and I am actively involved in creating CPD, engaging in practitioner training, and educational development, especially in the fields of contact lenses, myopia management, and dry eye services.

My professional interests include the application of advanced clinical services and the use of state of the art technology within community practices. My particular interests are in myopia management, dry eye clinics, and speciality contact lenses, including orthokeratology.

I have a strong understanding of using technology, including AI systems to improve clinical care for patients and practitioners.

In my view, the key issues for eye care practitioners within our profession are:

• Needing stronger support and representation
• Provision of wellbeing and sustainable practice 
• Expanding the clinical scope and influence of optometry
• Managing the use of new technologies and AI systems

About Summaya Ali

I work as a specialist optometrist at Royal Bolton Hospital NHS Trust. I am involved in: glaucoma, keratoconus and pre-operative cataract assessment as well as core optometry clinics.

My professional interests are independent prescribing and eye casualty.

The most important issues facing the profession include: the gap between hospital and high street optometry and communication between the two establishments for better patient care.

Moreover, I am interested in the support out there for optometrists embarking on their professional journey once qualified.

About Kaljit Dhaliwal

I am an Independent Optometrist with 23 years of experience- throughout my career I’ve worked in a wide variety of places from multiples, university clinics, domiciliary and industry. This breadth of experience has given me an understanding of the challenges and pressures faced by optometry colleagues across the profession. Having seen the realities of different working environments, I can empathise with the diverse issues we encounter and am passionate about supporting colleagues to overcome them while continuing to deliver exceptional, patient care.

My role now encompasses seeing a variety of patients for sight testing, a multitude of contact lens fittings, dry eye management, and myopia control. I keep up with optometric advancements and regularly use OCT and ultra wide-field imaging to help diagnose and manage ocular pathology.

I work closely with ophthalmologists, dispensing opticians, and colleagues to provide collaborative care tailored to the patient’s needs. Building trusted relationships and making every patient’s journey positive remains at the heart of my practice.

I’m always looking for ways to grow as a practitioner within our ever-evolving profession. Alongside clinical practice, I have worked as a university clinical supervisor, supporting the development of future optometrists.

I have completed the Professional Certificate in Medical Retina with Cardiff University and am WOPEC MECS accredited. My professional interests include vitreoretinal disorders, early intervention and management of glaucoma, dry eye conditions, and ocular plastics, with a strong focus on delivering high-quality, evidence-based patient care.

One of the biggest issues facing the profession is ensuring optometrists are recognised, valued, and fairly remunerated for the increasingly advanced clinical role we now hold within UK eye care.

Optometrists are diagnosing, managing, and delivering services that, only a few years ago, were undertaken solely within ophthalmology.

We are proud to take on greater clinical responsibility, but this must be matched with fair remuneration, increased funding for training, and protected time away from practice for professional development. It is also essential to remove barriers to further qualification—particularly by improving access to Independent Prescribing placements. Enabling optometrists to practice to their full potential will strengthen the profession, enhance patient care, and support a more progressive and rewarding future for UK optometry.

About Karan Vyas

I work at Specsavers Opticians in Corby as the lead optometrist and a pre-reg supervisor. I am currently working towards my IP qualification and take a keen interest in glaucoma and paediatric optometry.

The education of future optometrists along with the remit and role of optometrists in the UK are the two large questions in front of the profession. NHS reforms will change the role of the profession and the way eye care services are provided in England. Other professional issues around demands on professionals as well as issues of race and discrimination are challenges which require solutions.

About Juwaria Khan

I am a third year optometry student at the University of Plymouth, with nearly three years of experience across multiple practice settings, including Specsavers, Boots Opticians and an independent practice. Alongside my studies, I work as an optical assistant and a volunteer with VisionCare for Homeless People. I am also a student representative for the College of Optometrists and an Optometry Student Ambassador for my university. I am currently enrolled on the new MOptom course, which I have thoroughly enjoyed so far, particularly the clinical exposure and the early opportunity to integrate academic learning with real-world experience.

I’m passionate about advocating for fair and equal opportunities within optometry, ensuring that every student and professional is supported regardless of their background or situation. As a student optometrist, I also have a growing interest in the future role of AI in optometry-particularly how it can be used in research, which in turn could potentially transform clinical decision-making and patient care.

From a student perspective, a key issue is the lack of structured communication training. A compulsory module each year would build confidence in clinics, placements and assessments. Many students also feel unprepared when it comes to understanding and protecting their pre-reg or CLiP contracts; optional sessions on contract literacy would be hugely beneficial. The cost of equipment is also another barrier, particularly for individuals from low-income backgrounds-I would love to see pay back schemes or more support being put in place. These issues affect how we train, how we transition into practice and how confident we feel along the way, so it’s imperative that we address them accordingly.