Our Optometrists

Before we even think about surgery, we need to know about your eyes in microscopic detail. To achieve that, we give every patient the most thorough and rigorous eye exam available anywhere. Many clinics rely on your current prescription and a relatively basic examination. But we want to be sure we understand every detail of your vision, in all manner of conditions. That’s where the London Vision Clinic’s optometrists come in.

Our optometrists are highly trained eye specialists in their own right, working alongside our surgeons. They are experts in examining and testing your eyes, both for the quality of your vision and for general ocular health. They’re also qualified to diagnose and treat most common eye conditions, and to prescribe and fit glasses – not that ours get that chance very often!

London Vision Clinic Optometrists

We are confident that our team of eye specialists includes some of the finest laser optometrists in the UK.

Your optometrist will take you through what will almost certainly be the most rigorous eye exam you will ever have – far more detailed than you’ll find in most laser eye surgery clinics. You’ll need to set aside at least two hours for your Initial Screening appointment (of longer, if you opt for the combined Initial Screening and Ophthalmic Exam).

To qualify, aspiring optometrists have to complete 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 an array of tools and techniques that measure the cornea, the dilation of pupils, the pressure inside the eye and visual performance in all sorts of lighting conditions.

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!