Ms. Abha Gupta is an experienced Consultant Ophthalmologist dedicated to delivering high-quality, patient-centred eye care. She completed her medical training at Manchester Medical School, where she also earned an intercalated BSc (Hons) in Neuroscience. Her specialist ophthalmology training was undertaken at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital and the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion in Edinburgh, with additional experience gained through the Leeds rotation. Following completion of her sub-specialty training in Edinburgh, she worked as a Consultant before returning to Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, where she now provides expert, individualised care to her patients. In addition to her clinical work, Ms. Gupta is a highly regarded medical educator. She serves as a senior examiner for the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (London) and leads the prestigious international Duke Elder Examination for medical students pursuing an interest in Ophthalmology. Her academic and educational roles include: • Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy • Member of the Academy of Medical Educators • Module Lead for the MSc in Primary Care Ophthalmology at the University of Edinburgh • Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer Ms. Gupta combines clinical expertise with a strong commitment to education and research, ensuring her patients benefit from both cutting-edge knowledge and compassionate, personalised care.

Adib is a specialist optometrist and director of Monnow Eyecare, an award-winning independent practice in Monmouth, Wales. His practice delivers a range of NHS (WGOS) clinics, including glaucoma, IP/emergency, low vision, and medical retina services. Adib holds a BSc and MSc from Cardiff University, where he also worked as a tutor. He has been leading the community medical retina and hydroxychloroquine clinic for the past two years under the new Welsh WGOS contracts and holds several leadership roles within the Wales optometry. He is a strong advocate for using emerging technology to expand the scope of practice for optometrists and is currently completing his Higher Certificate in Medical Retina at Cardiff University.

Mr Alan Hawrami MSc FCOptom Prof Cert Med Ret Prof Cert Paediatrics DipGlauc DipTP(IP). Alan Hawrami is a Specialist Optometrist, Independent Prescriber and Glaucoma Specialist with experience across community optometry, hospital eye services and community ophthalmology. He is a Fellow of the College of Optometrists and holds postgraduate qualifications in glaucoma, medical retina, paediatrics and independent prescribing. Alan’s clinical background includes nearly a decade in hospital eye services, with experience across eye casualty, glaucoma, medical retina, vitreoretinal surgery, primary care ophthalmology and urgent eye care. He is a Director of 4 independent community ophthalmology practices in Kent and Windsor and is involved in NHS-funded acute eye care, glaucoma monitoring and referral triage pathways. His clinical work focuses on urgent eye care, complex presentations, prescribing, referral refinement and developing optometry-led services between primary care and hospital ophthalmology. Alan supervises optometrists undertaking Independent Prescribing placements and has delivered teaching to optometrists, GP trainees, ophthalmology trainees and wider primary care teams. He is currently undertaking a Professional Doctorate in Optometry at Aston University, exploring Independent Prescribing in optometry, prescribing confidence, perceived risk and clinical decision-making.

Alexandra Webster MSc, PGDipE, FBDO CL, FHEA, FBCLA is qualified dispensing optician and contact lens optician and has worked in both Independent and Multiple practice. She is an international practical examiner and theory paper marker for ophthalmic dispensing and a practical contact lens examiner for ABDO. Alex is Professional Development Director at ABDO and has worked in contact lens professional services and optical education for over 14 years, gaining a Master's degree in Healthcare Professional Education and is currently undertaking a Professional Doctorate in Education. She has also worked part-time as a lecturer in Ophthalmic Dispensing and Contact Lenses at Bradford College where she taught the refractive management module. Alex is an experienced presenter and facilitator, as well as author of CPD.

Cheryl Hill FBDO CL SMC(Tech) CertEd Prof Cert PE is a qualified dispensing and contact lens optician. She studied at ABDO College and registered as a Dispensing Optician in 2006. For 6 years she worked in both independent & multiple practice at management level. In 2025 she undertook the Level 7 Professional Certificate in Paediatric Eyecare and in 2026 qualified as a contact lens optician. Cheryl has worked in both independent and multiple optical practice at management level. She previously lectured in Ophthalmic Dispensing at Bradford College before moving to currently lecture in Ophthalmic Lenses and Dispensing at The University of Bradford, School of Optometry and Vision science. Cheryl also works part time for ABDO CPD developing professional education for Dispensing Opticians and Optometrists. She is a UK and Overseas Practical and Theory Examiner for ABDO. Cheryl is an experienced face-to-face and online presenter and facilitator of CPD, for both Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians

Charlotte Timbury FBDO began her optics career back in 1998 and qualified as a dispensing optician in 2002 after completing the ABDO Distance Learning Course. After 16 years in independent practice, Charlotte joined Essilor Ltd as a business development manager supporting practices in and around the London area. Having a passion for developing and presenting CPD as well as spectacle lens design and education, Charlotte moved to the Essilor Professional Relations team in 2018 under the management of Dr Andy Hepworth. In 2021, Charlotte was responsible for launching Essilor’s myopia management solution, Stellest to the North Europe region and later that year, the ninth generation of Varilux: Varilux XR series. In 2024, Charlotte took up the position of Director of Medical and Professional affairs for North Europe.

Cheryl Hill FBDO CL SMC(Tech) CertEd Prof Cert PE is a qualified dispensing and contact lens optician. She studied at ABDO College and registered as a Dispensing Optician in 2006. For 6 years she worked in both independent & multiple practice at management level. In 2025 she undertook the Level 7 Professional Certificate in Paediatric Eyecare and in 2026 qualified as a contact lens optician. Cheryl previously lectured in Ophthalmic Dispensing at Bradford College before moving to currently lecture in Ophthalmic Lenses and Dispensing at The University of Bradford, School of Optometry and Vision science. Cheryl also works part time for ABDO CPD developing professional education for Dispensing Opticians and Optometrists. She is a UK and Overseas Practical and Theory Examiner for ABDO. Cheryl is an experienced face-to-face and online presenter and facilitator of CPD, for both Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians.

Dean Dunning MEd FBDO CL BA(Hons) Cert Ed FIACLE is a lecturer and Contact Lens Optician. He was programme Leader for Contact Lenses and FdSc Ophthalmic Dispensing at Bradford College until recently. Dean is a fellow of IACLE and Head of Qualifications for ABDO, which includes management and oversight of ABDO’s contact lens qualifications.

Chithra Dhanabalan is an Optometrist with a wide depth of experience from working as a practitioner in various clinical practices. She also fulfilled a regional training role for a national multiple practice before moving into certification for clinical trials for pharmaceutical companies; teaching and assessing trial protocol. To broaden her experience Chithra worked with Vision Care For Homeless People in overseeing the set up of their London Mobile Service delivering eyecare services to homeless and those less fortunate. Chithra takes great pleasure now working as the Professional Affairs Manager UK&I for CooperVision, working closely with her team to deliver professionally led strategy, education and insight in to contact lens expertise and management.

Clair Gregory GOC number D-9412 Clair started her career in optics at age of 15 working Saturdays. Completing a degree in optical management at Anglia Ruskin University (APU) in 2000. Clair has managed several different sized practices in the multiple sector and been a dispensing optician in both the multiple and independent sector. She also worked for Zeiss in as a customer liaison officer, responsible for writing and delivering CET, internal training, analysing efficiencies, setting up new departments, working with returns and quality control within glazing and production. Clair now works as a business development manager at HOYA, supporting opticians with training and frequently involved in the delivery of CPD

Alan McDermott D-14847 Alan has been involved in the world of optics since 2001 and qualified as a dispensing optician in 2007 and has experience in optical dispensing and optical problem solving. Having worked in a range of multiple and independent practices Alan joined Hoya Lens UK in 2022 as the business development manager for the South Midlands. Part of Alans internal training included all aspects of myopia management, evidence base and comprehensive product availability, and indications for use.

Darren Taylor BSc. (Hons.) MCOptom is an Optometrist with over 25 years’ experience in the Industry. Darren has worked in various sectors in the optical Industry, from Business owner of a high street multiple practice, to practising in the Independent and Domiciliary sectors. Darren has also performed Professional Services roles for a number of well established companies in the sector, with particular emphasis on coaching and Professional training and education, including authoring and hosting educational events and facilitating at various CET meetings on a wide range of optometric subjects. More recently, Darren joined Essilor in April 2021 as ‘Optometry Sales & Product Training Manager’. His main areas of focus currently are advanced refraction techniques, Myopia management, Dry Eye disease, OCT interpretation, and how to implement new equipment and techniques into practice.

I am Jason, Product and Training Manager for Rodenstock in the UK. I have been in optics since 1992 across roles varying from Lab Technician, practice manager, Ophthalmology-based pharma sales manager, surgery centre manager, but my heart has always been lenses since I was a lab tech!

I am Matt Bellamy. I have been in optics for over 10 years, a DO for the past 6 and a practice director for the past 5. I also hold an honorary doctorate in psychology, along with a background in elite cycling, and have a passion for sports vision.

Jason is an Optometrist and Dispensing Optician with 35 years’ experience in the field. He has worked in practice, including refractive clinics, domiciliary and his own practices. He has worked in distribution and sales, too. Jason now runs his own consultancy, where he provides advice to clients on a wide range of topics, including R&D, procurement, clinical training and education, business growth, and regulations. Jason is also the Managing Editor of myopiafocus.org and Clinical Editor (Optometry) of Optician magazine. He owns other websites, like IOP-Calculator.com. At present, Jason is focused on increasing the use of cutting-edge technology in eye care. Jason is also a responsible person (UKRP) for the MHRA and provides advice to European and international start-up companies working in the ophthalmic arena.

Jim Dickson FBDO FBCLA is a highly experienced Contact Lens Optician with more than 25 years in clinical practice before moving from the consulting room into professional affairs within the contact lens industry. He has held senior professional roles at both Ciba Vision and Alcon, and is currently Head of Professional Affairs for the United Kingdom & Ireland at mark’ennovy. Jim is a regular presenter at optical events and conferences and has authored numerous CPD sessions, sharing practical insight across contact lenses, anterior eye health, and dry eye management. He is particularly passionate about supporting those in the early stages of their careers and works closely with educational establishments to help optometry and contact lens optician students appreciate the exciting and evolving role of contact lenses within modern eye care. In recognition of his contribution to the profession, Jim was elected a Fellow of the prestigious British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) in June 2025.

Jonathon has worked as resident and mobile optometrist in both multiple and independent practices, and been a joint venture partner, before moving into contact lens category management. He also has experience of supporting eye care practitioners in both the UK and Canada to develop and enhance their contact lens business. Jonathon now works as Director Professional Education and Development International, where he supports Alcon visioncare’s product portfolio and professional education teams internationally. In 2015, Jonathon was elected to serve on BCLA (British Contact Lens Association) council, holding the position of President from June 2019 to September 2020.

Monica graduated from Anglia Ruskin University in 2013 and qualified as an optometrist in 2014. She has since gained experience across a range of optical settings, including both multiples and independent practice. For over five years, Monica worked as a Clinical Supervisor at Aston University, supporting undergraduate students throughout their training. She later joined Alcon as a Business Development Manager, where she supported clinicians and practice teams in developing their contact lens skills. Monica is currently the Professional Education and Development Manager at Alcon, focused on delivering high-quality education and supporting clinical excellence across the UK.

Josie Barlow SMC (Tech) FBDO CL FBCLA Josie is a qualified Dispensing and Contact Lens Optician. She has been in Optics for over 30 years and has worked in both Independent and Multiple Practice. For the last 20 years, she has worked for contact lens manufacturers and has developed and delivered CET/CPD, training and other lectures and workshops on a wide range of subjects covering contact lens corrections, both generic and product-specific. She specialises in complex lens fitting and advising peers in this area. Josie has conducted lectures/training to optometrists, CLOs, DOs and practice team members at various industry meetings and events and facilitated CET/CPD-accredited workshops for optometric groups at industry meetings and at manufacturer facilities and is a former council member of the BCLA. Working for Menicon Ltd, Josie is involved in product training, both theoretical and practical, on all Menicon devices. She is involved in product development and works closely with education providers, training the next generation of eye care practitioners, as well as assisting in regulatory and R&D projects.

Piyus Tanna BSc (Hons) Optom. Piyus Tanna is a practising optometrist with 18 years of clinical experience. He currently serves as the Professional Services Manager for the UK and Nordics at Menicon, where he supports eye care professionals through education and training. Piyus holds several key leadership roles within the profession, including Chair of Northamptonshire LOC, Vice Chair of Membership at the BCLA, and Co-founder of Optometry Wellness. His dedication to optometry has been recognised nationally—he was awarded Optometrist of the Year at the Eyecare Awards 2024 and was a finalist for Optometrist of the Year at the Optician Awards 2024.

Mandy is an Optometrist who has a particular interest in the tear film and the consequences of dry eye disease. She has established a successful Dry Eye Clinic for an Independent Practice in West Sussex, which she is delighted to be able to continue to run on a part time basis alongside her role as Medical and Professional Affairs Manager for Scope Eyecare. Mandy has developed and presented a range of educational material on both the tear film and dry eye disease and enjoys sharing her clinical experience with fellow clinicians.

Colin Davidson BSc (Hons) FCOptom DipTp(IP) Prof Cert Med Ret Colin is programme lead for Optometry higher qualifications at the University of Hertfordshire. He also works in community practice and at Sussex Eye Hospital as part of the medical retina and A & E teams. Colin is a Chief Examiner and Assessor for the College of Optometrists. Colin successfully completed the College Diploma in Therapeutics for Independent Prescribing in 2011. He was awarded Fellowship by portfolio in 2013. His special interests in eye care include Independent Prescribing and managing patients in practice with acute eye problems, contact lenses and dry eye assessments. Colin enjoys the challenges of offering enhanced eye care to his patients in practice, and in his hospital A&E and medical retinal/uveitis clinics.

Mark Hickton has been with Bradford College as a lecturer on the Ophthalmic Dispensing team since 2008, and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Mark has over 25 years' experience within the optical industry, having worked in the optical industry since 1997, and qualifying as a dispensing optician in 2006. Alongside his qualification in Ophthalmic Dispensing, Mark also has a strong background in physics, with a BSc (Hons) in Physics with Astrophysics. Mark has gained a PTLLS qualification and Certificate in Education award early on in his teaching role, and a certificate in Visual Perception and the Brain. In his academic role on the Ophthalmic Dispensing course, Mark is the module tutor for subjects such as Optics, Visual Optics and Ophthalmic Lenses, and is the Programme Leader for part-time face-to-face teaching within the School of Ophthalmics. Mark’s scholarly activity within the College is typically focused on the area of visual perception, vision in nature, cross-sensory perception, and optical illusions. As an experienced CPD author, Mark has had articles numerous articles published over the last 10 years in Dispensing Optics, Optician and Optometry Today. This includes a series of articles that discussed various aspects of visual perception, and how they impact on clinical practice. Alongside his academic role, Mark is also a climber, hiker and amateur magician. Mark utilises elements of his magical knowledge in his teaching to highlight deficiencies in visual processing, and to promote class engagement.

Having qualified as a DO in 2010, Matt brings over 20 years’ experience in the optical industry, spanning both practice and lens manufacturing and supply, giving him a well-rounded industry perspective.

Max Halford (FBDO CL) is a qualified dispensing optician and contact lens optician who has worked in practice for over 30 years. He is the Clinical and Policy Director for ABDO and the Clinical Governance and Performance Lead for a large primary eyecare company, with responsibility for the delivery of training, accreditation and auditing of minor eye conditions, cataract and glaucoma services. Max has a special interest in all things anterior eye and acute eyecare. He has written training and accreditation modules for enhanced services and is a lead assessor for the Wales Optometry Postgraduate Education Centre (WOPEC). Max is an experienced presenter and facilitator of CPD.

Mike is an optometry consultant at Cascader Ltd, visiting lecturer at the University of Herts postgraduate courses, a College of Optometrists assessor and council member for the southeast. Previous roles include as a consultant optometrist (medical retina) and head of specialist optometry at Sussex Eye hospital, and as principal optometrist/medical retina lead at Moorfields eye hospital postgraduate education team. Mike has a completed numerous postgraduate qualifications including independent prescribing in New Zealand and the UK and has a wide range of experience in optometry and subspecialty ophthalmology. He has been heavily involved in the advancement of optometry, with a focus on the diagnosis and management of eye disease across primary and secondary care. He was awarded a fellowship of the College of Optometrists in 2021.

The author of ‘LASIK – A Handbook for Optometrists’ and over 35 articles in optometry journals, Michelle Hanratty BSc Hons, MCOptom, DipTp(IP), Prof Cert Med Ret has extensive clinical experience in optometry and extended roles within cataract and refractive surgery. As an Examiner and former Assessor for the College of Optometrists Scheme for Registration, Michelle has been evaluating and guiding optometrists since 2001 and is regularly invited to teach and present for organisations including The Vision Care Institute of Johnson & Johnson and the Association of Optometrists. As a lead facilitator for College of Optometrists’ peer review events, Michelle has successfully engaged with optometrists of all levels across the four UK nations and is frequently involved in writing and reviewing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) content for the College. Michelle is also a Docet Training Advisor, contributing to the development of a wide and varied CPD portfolio as well as presenting the successful Sound Optometry podcast. An Independent Prescribing Optometrist, Michelle continues to work in private hospital practice for Optegra Birmingham Eye Hospital where she also holds a lead clinical role and manages a team of optometrists across the Midlands area.

Dr Navneet Gupta is an experienced optometrist holding the College of Optometrists' Diploma in Independent Prescribing and Higher Certificate in Glaucoma. He is currently the Education Lead for Thea Pharmaceuticals UK, where he is responsible for the creation and delivery of CPD activities. His clinical experience includes working in various hospital eye service clinics (2011 to 2021) in Nuneaton, Burton-upon-Trent and Lichfield, providing glaucoma care, post-op cataract care and supporting ophthalmologists in medical retina and general clinics. He has also worked in primary care and refractive surgery clinics, with notable exposure to managing dry eye conditions particularly in the latter role. He is very experienced in the creation and delivery of CET / CPD, having been the Clinical Editor for Optometry Today, the Journal of the Association of Optometrists (2008-2013), independently creating and delivering workshops on AMD and contact tonometry for Optometry Tomorrow (College of Optometrists) (2016-2020), and having been responsible for CPD as Professional Services Manager for Carl Zeiss Vision UK (2021-2023). During his career he has also worked as an education visitor panel member for the General Optical Council (GOC) for the accreditation of university optometry-related programmes and as an Assessor in Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the Scheme for Registration of the College of Optometrists (2011-2021). He has also completed the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) Advanced Certificate for Medical Representatives.

Mr Yagan graduated from Aleppo medical school in 1997 in Syria and joined the ophthalmology postgraduate training programme where he achieved a Masters in Ophthalmology degree in 2001. After a fellowship in neuro ophthalmology and strabismus surgery in Manchester, he has been a consultant in neuro ophthalmology and strabismus surgery at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital since 2015 dealing with complex neuro ophthalmic and ocular motility conditions and performing squint surgeries as well as botulinum toxin injections. Mr Yagan is a clinical and educational supervisor training doctors in neuro ophthalmology, squint and cataract surgeries. He authored several papers, posters and presentations and participated in research projects both nationally and internationally on ophthalmology in general and neuro ophthalmology and ocular motility. He is the Director of Medical Education & Clinical Director of Surgical Ophthalmology at the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital. He is also a medico legal expert in neuro ophthalmology, strabismus and general ophthalmology. Mr Yagan is a fellow of the Royal college of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth), North of England Ophthalmology Society (NEOS) and a member of the UK neuro ophthalmology society (UKNOS) and the British Isles Neuro Ophthalmology Club (BINOC).

With over 18 years of experience in the optical industry, Esha has built a career spanning dispensing optics, contact lens professional affairs, and optometry. Now moving into a Clinical Applications Specialist role, she brings a unique blend of clinical expertise, industry knowledge, and a passion for supporting teams and improving patient outcomes through technology and education.

Mr Assad Jalil MBBS, FRCOphth is a Consultant Ophthalmologist, Vitreoretinal and Cataract Surgeon and Uveitis Specialist at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, one of Europe’s leading ophthalmic centres for clinical care, education and research. Mr Jalil specialises in the surgical and medical management of vitreoretinal disease, including retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, macular disease and complex inflammatory eye conditions such as uveitis. He has extensive experience in advanced vitreoretinal surgery, including 23G, 25G and 27G pars plana vitrectomy techniques, alongside simple and complex cataract surgery. In addition to his clinical expertise, Mr Jalil is internationally recognised for his work in ocular inflammation and retinal research. He is part of the pioneering retinal gene therapy team at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital and is one of the few retinal surgeons worldwide performing retinal gene therapy procedures. He has co-authored multiple book chapters and more than 75 peer-reviewed publications and regularly lectures at national and international meetings. Mr Jalil is also heavily involved in education and training, supervising renowned clinical and research vitreoretinal fellowships and supporting the development of surgeons from around the world. He currently serves as UK Professional Standards Lead for the British and Eire Association of Vitreoretinal Surgeons (BEAVRS).

Philip Morgan is Professor of Optometry, Head of Optometry, Deputy Head of the Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, and Director of Eurolens Research at The University of Manchester. He is also Adjunct Professor at UNSW Sydney. His main research interests relate to the clinical performance of contact lenses and he teaches on the same subject area at undergraduate and postgraduate level. He has managed an annual international survey of contact lens prescribing trends since 1996. Philip is President of the International Association of Contact Lens Educators and Past President of both the Manchester Statistical Society and the International Society for Contact Lens Research. He is an honorary member of the UK Association of Contact Lens Manufacturers, a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and the British Contact Lens Association, and a member of the UK College of Optometrists. Philip was the BCLA Medallist in 2014, BCLA Pioneer’s Lecturer in 2015 and the winner of the 2019 Max Schapero Award of the American Academy of Optometry. He is a past chairman and secretary of the Northern Optometric Society in Manchester. He has authored over 200 papers, primarily relating to the clinical performance of contact lenses and the nature of the UK and international contact lens markets, and has spoken about his work in about 40 countries worldwide.

Prof. Christian French works as a consulting neuro-optometrist with patients experiencing complex binocular vision disorders as well as suffering from visual perception issues arising from complex cases of brain injury. In addition, Prof. French has worked in a paediatric ophthalmology clinic alongside a consultant ophthalmologist and team of orthoptists, evaluating and managing a range of referred cases of binocular vision disorders. Prof French currently works as the Foundation Professor and Head of Department at the Leicester School of Optometry, based within the University of Leicester, where he has developed the new Master of Optometry course. Previously he worked for several years as a Senior Lecturer and, prior to that, a Clinical Demonstrator in binocular vision clinics. This has provided him with the requisite skills and knowledge for creating and delivering interactive teaching material.

Ros Mussa FBDO CL. Ros Mussa is a highly skilled professional with over 30 years’ experience in the industry. In practice she works as a CLO with a special interest in Dry Eye Disease management. As a long-standing advocate for peer-to-peer learning and professional development she combines working in practice with a variety of advisory, educational, and professional services roles. To really highlight the interest and enthusiasm for Dry Eye Disease management she currently works with The Body Doctor as their Head of Professional Affairs enhancing their CPD offering.

Ruth is the Deputy Lead Assessor for the College of Optometrists

Simone Petrolli is the Global Sustainability Manager at Safilo, one of the eyewear industry’s leading companies in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of prescription frames, sunglasses, outdoor eyewear, goggles, and helmets. Over his 10 years of experience at Safilo, he has held several roles within the Product Creation and Development departments in both Italy and the United States, before being appointed Global Sustainability Manager in 2022. He is currently based in Padua, Italy. Simone holds a Master’s degree in Materials Engineering and a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, both obtained from the University of Trento, Italy. Following his graduation, he worked for one year as a Research Assistant at the university before joining Safilo.

Tina Arbon Black BSc (Hons) FBDO CL is a qualified dispensing optician and contact lens optician. Tina is a part time Professional Development Learning Manager for ABDO and co-founder of accredited CPD provider Orbita Black Limited. In 2019 she graduated Canterbury Christ Church University with a first-class honours degree in Vision Science.