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.

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.

Main Presenter provided above Dr Navneet Gupta Dr Navneet Gupta is an experienced optometrist holding the College of Optometrist's 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.

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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.

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.

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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. 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

ESHA DUTTA -Presenter 2 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.

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 Duggal 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.