Simon Falk 

Started in Optics in 1989 as a dispensing Optician , graduating in Optometry in 1993. Owner and director of Simon Falk Eyecare in Oakwood, Leeds. Within Optics my interests are in Contact lenses, Refractive surgery and Sports Vision.

Within the LOC, I am particularly motivated to promote the profession of Optometry, seek greater use of our services within Primary Care for  meaningful professional fees.

Outside of work keen on all sports and the odd glass of vino!

Liz Locke

I qualified in Optometry from Bradford university in 1991.  My Pre Reg post was in hospital practice after which, I then moved into private practice, first in Liverpool before moving to Leeds in 1998.  I have worked for Specsavers, Crossgates since then in the roles of optometrist, Clinical Manager and currently Clinical Director.  I have been involved with the LOC for many years – children’s vision initiative, CET events, representation within steering groups and co chair from 2020.  I love the engagement with local contractors and performers.  At home, I’m married and a mum to twin boys and I enjoy baking for my family, colleagues and friends  – my Scottish recipe shortbread is infamous!

Caroline Clark

I studied at Aston University and attained a first class degree qualifying in 1990.

I started with and am currently still with Boots working as a Locum.

I have been a GOC panel member since July 2019 and LOC treasurer for 9 years. My work with the GOC is mainly associated with Education and CET.

I represent Yorkshire & Humber area LOCs at NHS England’s Performance Advisory Group.

I have 3 grown up children, 2 dogs, like curry, Christmas and dog walks.

Anupa Patel

I have worked in a variety of sectors as an Optometrist for over 25 years including community, NHS and research. My current roles cover specialist clinics within the NHS in primary and secondary settings and community Optometry.

I completed the independent prescribing course in 2010, the diploma in Glaucoma in 2012 and a ILM coaching course via LOCSU in 2017. Diversifying my roles has provided greater insight in to the enhanced roles available for Optometrists.

My current role on the LOC committee involves supporting various sub committee groups , mainly enhanced services, education and connecting between LTHT and the LOC.

Meerat Gohlar

Meerat graduated from Aston University in 2016, and completed her Professional Certificate in Medical Retina and Professional Certificate in Glaucoma in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Meerat is a full-time resident Optometrist at a multiple practice, where she started her journey as a Pre-Registration Optometrist. Her clinical responsibilities include supervising Pre-Registration Optometrists and attending patient clinics.

Beyond the clinic Meerat actively pursues her interest in empowering future generation optometrists as a member of Faculty, and as a Lead STEP Mentor for Johnson and Johnson Vision Care. Her responsibilities involve organising fundraising events, delivering courses at the Institute and most recently hosting sessions virtually!

Meerat’s appetite to positively influence the profession is further exemplified by her becoming an Assessor and Facilitator for Specsavers qualifications and events, and Vice Chair for her LOC. Her LOC role consists of supporting the LOC Chairs in organising committee meetings and representing the LOC in external meetings. She is also a content creator for the Leeds LOC social media pages, to help connect the LOC with local optometrists and dispensing opticians.

Aziz Qamar

I qualified as an Optometrist in 2004 after studying Optometry at UMIST, prior to its merger with the University of Manchester.  I am an Independent Prescriber and hold a Higher Certificate in Glaucoma, as well as a Professional Certificate in Medical Retina.

I currently work across multiple settings, including an independent practice in Leeds, hospital services, and as a part-time clinical supervisor at the University of Bradford.

I am passionate about the role of optometrists in improving patients’ quality of life – both through enhancing vision and preserving sight.

Within the LOC, I am part of the Communications Team, where I help ensure that members receive timely, relevant updates and that our website remains accurate and up to date.

Kate Bues

I am a Dispensing Optician with over 35 years of experience, working at an independent partnership opticians in a village near Leeds. I am a member of the A.B.D.O. and am committed to maintaining high professional standards in patient care.

I enjoy helping patients find eyewear that provides excellent vision while also suiting their lifestyle and personal style. I value the personal service that independent practice offers and take pride in building long-standing relationships with patients in the local community.

I have recently joined the Leeds Local Optical Committee, where I hope to contribute to the development and support of the optical profession locally.

Lynda Matthias

With over two decades of experience as a Dispensing Optician, Lynda has dedicated her career to providing exceptional eye care across Yorkshire. As a locum dispensing optician, Lynda embraces the diversity of her work, enjoying the opportunity to collaborate with various colleagues and interact with a wide range of patients in different practices.

Currently, Lynda represents Dispensing Opticians on the Leeds Local Optical Committee, ensuring that their voices are heard in the realm of primary eye health care. Her commitment to the profession extends to her training as an ABDO Examiner, where she witnesses the dedication and enthusiasm of aspiring Dispensing Opticians, finding it a privilege to contribute to their development.

In addition to her current role, Lynda serves as the ABDO Regional Lead for North East and Yorkshire, further demonstrating her dedication to the optical community. Throughout her career, Lynda has held management positions at ASDA and Specsavers, navigating the challenges and evolving landscape of the optical industry. She recognizes the importance of education and development for Dispensing Opticians, and has seen firsthand how numerous opportunities have emerged in these areas.

Passionate about continuing professional development (CPD), Lynda has been actively involved in delivering CPD sessions, both in-person at local events and now as an Online Facilitator for ABDO. Her commitment to supporting the growth and knowledge of her fellow Dispensing Opticians is evident in her ongoing efforts to provide valuable learning experiences.

Rebecca Heron

Rebecca Heron is an optometrist who has been working in optics since 1997, working initially as an optical assistant. Gaining her optometry degree from The University of Bradford in 1998, she completed her pre-registration year with Specsavers before becoming fully qualified in 1999. She is the co-founder and co-director of the independent group Premier Vision Opticians, with 6 branches across West Yorkshire.She has completed College Optometrists higher qualifications in glaucoma and medical retina, allowing her to focus on providing additional services and also training the next generation of optometrists, supervising over 50 students since 2006.In 2025, she was appointed to the position of Secretary within Leeds LOC and has really enjoyed working with colleagues to improve eye care provision across the region.