Members
Chair
Jane Bell
Self-employed Optometrist
I have been a member of Dorset LOC since 1990 having lived & worked in
Dorset since the 1980s.I have over 40 years experience in numerous different types of practices
from hospital and health centre to independent practices. I am an independent prescribing optometrist & have the College Diploma in Glaucoma. I am the glaucoma lead reviewer for Primary Eyecare Services (PES). I also do telemedicine for CUES covering various areas in England & referral
refinement. I do some community clinics at an independent practice in
Dorset where I provide Low Vision Aids.
I am a scuba-diver & enjoy being on, by, in or under water. I also enjoy
walking especially in Dorset.
Treasurer
Ali Yasen, BSc (Hons) Optometry, BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences, MCOptom
Optometrist Manager at Still & Bedford
I have worked in healthcare for 17 years. I began my journey in Boots in the pharmacy whilst I completed my first degree in Biomedical Sciences, then switched over to optics 10 years ago – initially still at Boots, where I undertook my pre-reg training.
Since qualifying as an optometrist I have worked mainly in independents as a sole resident, alongside locum work.
I have served on the AOP Council since 2017 bar a short hiatus. Through this work I have developed a deeper understanding of the industry, as well as a national network of peers. I aim to use this to help streamline local services as well as improve communication pathways with our colleagues in secondary care.
Vice Chair
Suzanne Flay FBDO BSc (Hons)
Dispensing Optician
Dispensing Optician with 15 years’ experience in Optics, both in multiple and independent practice. Since 2021 I have worked part time at Hendersons Opticians in Ferndown , where I specialise in implementing new ways of doing things to help the practice run more smoothly and efficiently, whilst keeping abreast of the many changes happening in practice management and dispensing.
I graduated from Canterbury Christ Church University in 2017 with a first class Bachelor of Science degree in Ophthalmic Dispensing.
In my spare time I enjoy dancing Argentine Tango, reading, gardening, singing with my choir and walking with my rather cute Border Terrier, Maggie.
Secretary
Carolyn Hudd
I am a self-employed Lay-secretary for Dorset LOC, with almost 10 years experience working alongside other regional LOC’s. I am the go-to person for all your questions and information needs! Send me an email at info@dorsetloc.org and I’ll make sure to connect you with the right person.
Grace Haine
Owner, Independent Practice
I am a qualified Dispensing Optician and have owned my own practice in Dorset since 2012.
For over 30 years, I have worked in optics for both independent and multiple practices.
I am very interested in seeing more of a shared care role being developed in areas outside of Bournemouth and Poole, as the outskirts of the county can feel isolated to work in.
Chris Newall
Director of Specsavers in Bridport, Dorset
I qualified as on Optometrist in 1991. I have been a member of Dorset LOC since 2006, serving as Chair from 2012 to 2017. Also I work closely with Dorset CCG and was LOC representative on Dorset Eye Health Network.
During my time as an Optometrist, I have enjoyed varied clinical roles from Hospital optometry, laser refractive surgery and community practice.
I have been a LOCSU Commissioning Lead since 2014 and am a member of Specsavers Professional Leadership Council.
Also, I have also completed the WOPEC postgraduate qualification in Leadership skills.
Ian Underwood
Partner, Perry Optometrists
After graduating in 1986 from City University, I completed my pre-reg with Melson Wingate.
Since then, I have worked in all types of practice, as a locum, until 2000 when he became a partner at Perry Optometrists.
In practice, I have a keen interest in the shared care schemes and also specialises in Colorimetry and reading difficulties.
I have been a member of the LOC since 1990 and Treasurer between 1993-2019.
Christopher Quinton BSc(Hons) MCOptom
Ophthalmic Director Specsavers Christchurch
I have been in Optics for all my working life. Starting as a Saturday boy aged 15, then qualifying as a Dispensing optician and then as an Optometrist. I am now a partner with Specsavers.
I am passionate about patient care and eager to improve enhanced optical services in our community.
I am WOPEC MECs, Glaucoma and Cataract accredited and am now studying independent prescribing.
I have been a supervisor for 8 pre-regs now, passionate about career development and improving optometry access in the southwest.
I am excited to begin my new journey with the LOC whilst striving to achieve improved optical services in our area.
Peter Beverley-Smith
Self-Employed locum and domiciliary optometrist
Having worked for many years in the financial sector, I returned to education in my mid-thirties, completing a degree in Optometry at Aston University. I am a facilitator for the College of Optometrist and a clinical advisor for NHSE Southwest. After qualifying I became Ophthalmic Director at Specsavers, Poole and having a keen interest in technology worked as a Specsavers Regional IT Group representative. I was also director for Primary Eyecare South and a trustee and volunteer for Vision Aid Overseas.
Ashton Galloway BSc (Hons) MCOptom FBDO CL
Optometrist
I am an optometrist having studied the career progression course at Bradford, originally qualifing as a DO in 2009 and then as a CLO. I have a passion for optics and have served on the Dorset LOC prior to studying Optometry and SE Wales ROC, also having been on the board of directors in other optical organisations in the past. Experienced as both an optician and optometrist in both independent and multiple practices.
My interests are seeing better shared care schemes for Dorset whilst also ensuring we are maximising the skillsets of the workforce across all the professions found in practice.