Meet Our Expert Optometrists

When you think about Laser Eye Surgery, you would be forgiven for focusing primarily on the procedure itself. After all, that’s the most important part, right? Well, arguably that isn’t the case. In fact, there is a lot to think about before the day of your surgery.

Before we even think about surgery, we need to understand your eyes in microscopic detail. To achieve this, our we need to perform a range of eye tests and examinations – which is where our expert optometrists come in. At London Vision Clinic, we have one of the most thorough screening processes in the Laser Eye Surgery world. And with good reason. Of course, this important step in the Laser Eye Surgery process allows is to establish your suitability for treatment, but there is more to it than that.

Creating a Personalised Treatment Plan

While some clinics may be satisfied to plan your treatment around your current prescription and a relatively basic examination, this is not the case at London Vision Clinic. Our rigorous screening process is essential as it allows to understand every detail of your vision and eye health.

With the information gathered by our optometrists, we are able to create a truly personalised treatment plan for every patient.

Our optometrists are highly trained eye specialists who work alongside our surgeons to provide the highest standard of care. They are experts in assessing the quality of your vision and your overall ocular health. What’s more, they are also qualified to diagnose and treat most common eye conditions, and to fit and prescribe glasses – not that ours need to do this very often!

London Vision Clinic Optometrists

Our team of eye specialists includes some of the finest laser optometrists in the UK. On the day of your consultation, your optometrist will take you through a rigorous eye exam – a process that is far more detailed than you will find in most other Laser Eye Surgery clinics. This initial screening requires at least two hours, or longer if you opt in for the combined Initial Screening and Ophthalmic Exam.

Optometrists at London Vision Clinic must have completed a three-year undergraduate degree in Optometry, plus at least a year’s ‘pre-registration’ practice, supervised by an experienced practitioner.

During their training, they learn to use a range of tools and techniques to record the health and dimensions of your eyes, including the thickness of the cornea, the size and dilation of the pupils, the pressure inside the eye, and visual performance – all of which are important when developing your Laser Eye Surgery treatment plan.

Sharon Ritchie

I joined the team at London Vision Clinic in July 2010 after working in laser eye surgery for nine years previously. I am from Aberdeen originally, and moved to London many years ago! I love living in the big city – not least the milder weather! I am a keen football fan and an avid supporter of Arsenal FC. When I’m not watching a match, I’m often enjoying eating out and embracing all that London has to offer.

London Vision Clinic’s world-class expertise, ongoing research and development and patient focus are the main things that attracted me to the clinic. I had my own laser eye surgery at the clinic in 2012 for significant short-sightedness. It has been life-changing and I am so thrilled with the results. My personal experience is invaluable when explaining the procedure to patients and can now ease their apprehension and answer questions about it having gone through the process herself.

Emma Brandon

I qualified as an Optometrist in 1999, and have been working at the clinic for over 15 years now. During this time I have advanced my professional development with an MSc in Clinical Optometry and specialist Therapeutics qualifications. It has been a pleasure to continue to develop whilst providing a high standard of patient care in my daily role. I can still recall the date of my own surgery: 8 August 2006! Having had high myopia and astigmatism beforehand, I found it a life-changing experience. My prescription was: OD – 6.00/-3.00 X 10; OS – 6.50/ -3.00 X 180. In short, around -9 dioptres, or very short-sighted.

Away from the clinic, I enjoy travel and mountaineering, having summited a number of peaks such as Monte Rosa and Mount Ararat. However as a Londoner, I am often to be found at the local climbing wall! In fact, I enjoy a number of outdoor sports including skiing, which has been revolutionised by my laser vision correction.

Brendan Duane

I grew up in Melbourne, Australia, but have worked as an Optometrist in London for over 25 years. I joined London Vision Clinic team back in 2004, and it has flown by!

As an avid cricket fan, I’m not afraid to admit my delight when Australia win the precious Ashes! Away from the crease, I enjoy photography and travelling across the world. Some of his prominent expeditions have been to remarkably diverse destinations: the high African desert of Ethiopia, the exclusive Arizona wave and the bleak beauty of Antarctica.

Vimal Piparia

Over the past 20 years, I have been working as an optometrist involved in refractive care, research and training. I joined London Vision Clinic back in 2009, after spending two years living in Melbourne, working for the Australian College of Optometry, and enjoyed rediscovering London once more on my return!

I have been fortunate enough to have travelled extensively whilst combining my great passion for food. I am always working hard to improve my culinary skills and am a budding master chef in the making!

Nabila Akbarali

I have worked as an Optometrist for over 15 years, the last 9 of which have been in the field of Refractive Surgery. I have always been passionate about Optometry, completing my undergraduate degree in Birmingham followed by a Masters degree in London. I was excited to join the team at London Vision Clinic as it is a centre of excellence and a leader in its field. Outside of work, I love to travel and particularly enjoys combining travel with my love for food (ensuring I sample the local cuisine everywhere I go!).

Amir Farooqi

I joined London Vision Clinic in 2019 after working in refractive surgery for four years. My love for Optometry stemmed from my father who also is an Optometrist.

Being a -6.00DS before my laser eye surgery in 2013, I was fascinated with how quickly I sprung back into routine life… it was literally life-changing overnight. Attention to detail, research and advancements into refractive surgery are what attracted me to the world-leading institute, London Vision Clinic.

When not enjoying some of the unique and fun activities busy London has to offer, I love to travel the world, from climbing mountains and trekking glaciers in Patagonia to soaking up the sun on exotic islands. My travels inspire my passion for food which is evident in my culinary and baking skills! And when I’m not roaming the world, I am working on my next interior design project or capturing my favourite moments of life through a camera lens!

Priya

I worked as an Optometrist for over 7 years before joining London Vision Clinic. Being part of a specialist team who are leaders in the field of refractive surgery, has allowed me to continue my passion for providing the best quality patient care, as well as keeping up to date with advanced technology in refractive surgery.

My previous experience is within the eyecare and hospital cataract services. As part of my studies at the University of Manchester, I took part in a 2-week volunteering assignment in Ghana working in an outreach programme that allowed me to pass on my skills and knowledge to fellow optometry students, helping them continue providing eyecare within their local communities. When I’m not at work, I love baking at home, watching Man United play, or heading out to a new local restaurant!