After gaining a first class degree in Optometry and Visual Science from the University of Wales, Cardiff in 2004 I moved to London and locumed at various practices prior to commencing work at the prestigious West End contact lens practice of Nigel F. Burnett Hodd…

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Sophie Taylor-West

After gaining a first class degree in Optometry and Visual Science from the University of Wales, Cardiff in 2004 I moved to London and locumed at various practices prior to commencing work at the prestigious West End contact lens practice of Nigel F. Burnett Hodd. It is here that I learned to fit many contact lenses for diseased corneas, very high prescriptions, toric lenses for astigmatism and multifocal lenses for presbyopia.

I have, over my 8 years working at this practice, developed a keen interest in lenses for keratoconus, post graft and post refractive surgery corneas. I worked at Moorfields Eye Hospital as a specialist optometrist in the contact lens clinic for 2 years, and spent a further two years at Sussex Eye Hospital fitting contact lenses.

I have attended many International conferences on specialist contact lens practice, including the Global Specialty Contact Lens Symposium in Las Vegas, the Keratoconus Meeting in Horsens, Denmark, the British Contact Lens Association conference and the International Society of Contact Lens Specialists meeting, both in the UK. This has kept my knowledge base as up-to-date as possible, and has allowed me to always be at the cutting edge of contact lens technology and techniques here in the UK.

I have been involved in the training of other Optometrists in the use of SoClear and SynergEyes lenses and the writing of fitting guides for these designs. I have lectured internationally (in the US, Denmark, France, Switzerland and the UK) and published numerous articles on complex lens fitting.

Other clinical experience includes consulting for UK based lens manufacturer No.7 Contact lens Laboratory and conducting performance assessments on fellow optometrists undergoing investigation by the General Optical Council.

On a personal note, I genuinely enjoy the challenges that come with dealing with diseased, damaged and ‘awkward’ eyes and I get an enormous amount of pleasure and satisfaction in helping those people who struggle to see anything at all without lenses and transforming their sight.

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Coming from the Jura mountains, in the region of France where the global optics industry was born, I was destined to have a passion for exquisite eyewear. After graduating as a Dispensing Optician in 2004, I gained experience in different regions of France…

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Ibo Ozhan

Coming from the Jura mountains, in the region of France where the global optics industry was born, I was destined to have a passion for exquisite eyewear.

After graduating as a Dispensing Optician in 2004, I gained experience in different regions of France. After travelling in Europe, the US, Canada, New Zealand, Iceland and Australia, I moved to Brighton in 2013, where I worked across independent and multiple practices. I particularly enjoy helping my patients find their perfect frame, and taking the time to make sure they feel gorgeous in their specs! I couldn’t resist the opportunity to join Taylor-West & Co family with the arrival of the fabulous new Lewes practice, and I am excited to get to know the community, meet new clients, and find them the perfect eyewear.

My other passion is music, and I love attending live concerts, gigs and music festivals around the world. I also have an extensive vinyl collection.

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My passion for travel has brought me all the way from Australia to the UK. To experience optics from the other side of the world and still find it the same is such a comfort – I stumbled past Taylor West one windy day in Hove and was captured by the awe of the stores appearance & one thing led to another…

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Laura Vermey

My passion for travel has brought me all the way from Australia to the UK. To experience optics from the other side of the world and still find it the same is such a comfort – I stumbled past Taylor West one windy day in Hove and was captured by the awe of the stores appearance & one thing led to another. A new exciting opportunity developed to help open a new branch in the Brighton North Laine – I jumped at the chance of this incredible experience to work in such a luxurious high-end optician – one thing that has stuck out for me is the quality, not only in product but within the entirety of the business.

I have been working in optics since 2014 and completed my Cert IV in Optical Dispensing in 2017, it has been a fulfilling and rewarding experience. I love the satisfaction I get from making people look and feel their best. I enjoy the challenge in exceeding customers’ expectations not only when choosing frames but ensuring they have the best possible solution for what they want glasses for.

I thrive on problem solving and helping people choose the perfect pair of glasses. I am a hard worker dedicated to delivering excellent customer service and always strive to do my best, no matter what the task may be.

I spend my spare time seeking new experiences, new foods and experiencing new cultures. I am adventurous and love to travel, I enjoy being by the ocean, listening to live music, and socializing with friends. Wine with cheese, a deck of cards and records playing in the background is where you’ll find me in my comfort place.

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When I was younger I always knew I wanted to have a role in healthcare and to work with people, and after displaying an interest in and an affinity for maths and sciences in school it was actually my physics teacher who introduced me to the world of optics and curated my interest in optometry.

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Krystie

When I was younger I always knew I wanted to have a role in healthcare and to work with people, and after displaying an interest in and an affinity for maths and sciences in school it was actually my physics teacher who introduced me to the world of optics and curated my interest in optometry. During school holidays and on weekends I worked at a local high street opticians which only furthered my interest so I studied optometry at the Technological University in Dublin and graduated in 2015 with honours.

A week after graduating there was a mass exodus of newly qualified Irish Optometrists as three of my friends and I moved to Brighton and invaded the high street optical practices. I soon fell in love with this colourful, quirky city and its colourful, quirky people so my initial plan of staying for one or two years quickly turned into an indefinite stay as Brighton & Hove became my home away from home.

When I returned from travelling around South-East Asia in 2019 I locumed at some local optical practices, serendipitously the first practice I worked for was Taylor-West! I immediately loved working in this fabulous, unique practice and couldn’t turn down the opportunity to officially become part of the team when I was offered a role here in 2021.

I’m excited to broaden my horizons in the world of optometry and to expand and develop my skills professionally here. I love travelling – meeting new people and experiencing different cultures and new food! On days off I love to go for walks along the seafront and in the South Downs and to unwind in the evenings I love playing piano, swimming, reading books and binge-watching all the true-crime series on Netflix.

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I believe that being in optics was destined to me, but it wasn’t a straightforward journey. One of my first memories is when I underwent an operation on my eyes as a child and even now I can remember the outstanding people who looked after me. Wanting to support people in overcoming their life obstacles, I graduated with a Master’s Degree in Social Rehabilitation.

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Joanna

I believe that being in optics was destined to me, but it wasn’t a straightforward journey. One of my first memories is when I underwent an operation on my eyes as a child and even now I can remember the outstanding people who looked after me.

Wanting to support people in overcoming their life obstacles, I graduated with a Master’s Degree in Social Rehabilitation. Having moved to London in 2014 I was given an opportunity to work in a high street optician and learn the basics. When I moved to Brighton I was given a chance to undertake the Dispensing Optician course, and I graduated in 2020.

My aim was always to work for an Independent Optician to gain new experience and knowledge. I joined Sophie’s team in Hove in 2021. Being a great listener supports my ability to find the best eyewear and exceed people’s expectations. I have a passion for styling, and I always go above and beyond to make sure everyone is treated as an individual.

For their unusual shapes, craftsmanship and attention to details, Anne and Valentin is one of my favourite optical brands. It makes me very proud to work in a practice that has such an incredible and unique selection of eyewear. Moreover, I find it extremely satisfying and emotional that by using the latest technology we can improve people’s lives and help them to see.

In my free time I enjoy watching crime dramas, looking after my large collection of plants and spending time with my partner and our pets. Although I prefer snow to heat, I love Italian food and architecture and always look forward to spending my holidays there.

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When the opportunity to join the Taylor-West and Co family arose, I knew it was a great space for me to dive deeper into the world of optics. Having experience in professional styling gives me a chance to incorporate my love for styling with something brand new! After moving to Brighton in 2021, I’ve truly found a community which celebrates individuality and culture.

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Parys

When the opportunity to join the Taylor-West and Co family arose, I knew it was a great space for me to dive deeper into the world of optics. Having experience in professional styling gives me a chance to incorporate my love for styling with something brand new! After moving to Brighton in 2021, I’ve truly found a community which celebrates individuality and culture.

As an optical assistant here in Hove, I have realised how fascinated I am by people. Being able to speak with people and share stories is why I really love what I do. Optics is a place I never thought I’d find myself but truthly, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Going the extra mile for our patients means everything to me and I believe it can make all the difference to someone’s experience in such an intimate process.

Since working in optics, I have been able to bring my love of problem solving forward and create lasting relationships with our patients. There is so much to learn in this fast-paced environment, and this is only the beginning.

I have recently travelled to Rishikesh, India to complete my Yoga Teacher Training. This solo travelling experience was life changing and absolutely made me into the person I am today. Painting, pottery and arts is a passion where I can express myself freely and hold space for myself to create!

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I came into optics via a rather circuitous route. After gaining a degree in Marketing and Advertising, I started working with my sister, Sophie, at Burnett Hodd Optometry in London, working as a technician performing retinal scans and visual fields tests on patients, and ordering and checking complex contact lens types…

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George Taylor-West

I came into optics via a rather circuitous route. After gaining a degree in Marketing and Advertising, I started working with my sister, Sophie, at Burnett Hodd Optometry in London, working as a technician performing retinal scans and visual fields tests on patients, and ordering and checking complex contact lens types.

When Sophie opened her practice in Hove, I saw this as a great opportunity to broaden my knowledge and embraced the challenge of managing her store. It was there I found my calling and realised that dispensing glasses really played to my strengths, i.e. speaking to people, problem solving and physics, with a strong eye for seeing what suits people and helping them look their very best in their spectacles. I love meeting new people and developing a rapport, and I firmly believe this is what makes me good at my job. You need to have trust in the person who is guiding you through the journey of choosing your eyewear and making sure you will be able to see perfectly in them, and you can’t build this trust without first getting to know someone a little bit.

After working with Sophie in Hove, I spent 3 months working as as spectacle sales rep in America, and saw the more industrial side of spectacle sales. It was great fun and hugely broadened my knowledge of independent eyewear brands. However, it made me realise that my passion lies with working with members of the public, so on my return Sophie and I decided to open a new practice in partnership with each other. Thus the Dulwich branch of Taylor-West & Co was born! Dulwich has a fantastic community vibe and I’m really enjoying meeting new people and getting to know the area and the people who live here. If you’re one of them, please come and say hello!

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Hello there, my name is Abbi. I have been in the ophthalmic industry for 7 years. I am an avid learner, with a keen eye for detail.

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Abbi

Hello there, my name is Abbi. I have been in the ophthalmic industry for 7 years. I am an avid learner, with a keen eye for detail.

It is my passion to match people’s energy to the spectacles they wear. Supporting people’s visual needs and requirements is vitally important so that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy every little detail in their life.

I am also a nature enthusiast. In my spare time I am often found hiking and capturing nature with my photography. Nature is beautiful, you only need to explore it. I am also a supporter of many charities and actively support the work they do, including participating in sponsored rows, cycles, swimming, squats, ect. My family means everything to me, and I’ll look forward to meeting you!

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Wearing glasses from a young age meant I developed a great relationship with our local optometrist and that sparked my interest in this career. Indeed, two of my sisters are also optometrists, maybe it was something in the water!

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Lizzie

Wearing glasses from a young age meant I developed a great relationship with our local optometrist and that sparked my interest in this career. Indeed, two of my sisters are also optometrists, maybe it was something in the water!

After graduating from Manchester University in 2012 I moved to Bristol. This is where I grew from a young newly qualified optometrist to the more confident, experienced clinician I am now. Working in both big and small teams, supervising students, and furthering my career by completing extra qualifications involving cataract, glaucoma, and minor injuries has only increased my love for this rewarding and ever-changing profession.

In early 2022 I moved to London, and Taylor-West & Co welcomed me to their tight-knit team as the resident Optometrist in the Dulwich branch. I love working in a practice with top-of-the-range equipment, time given to effectively discuss and manage any patient concerns, and working alongside a fantastic, dynamic and progressive team who are equipped with both great ophthalmic knowledge and great fashion sense!

After struggling with myopia from a young age I have developed a keen interest in the methods used to manage myopia progression amongst children and the new technologies which are constantly being developed.

Outside of work I enjoy travelling, craft work, exercise, climbing, and cooking.

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When people meet me for the first time, they always comment on my passion and knowledge in optics. That’s because I love what I do! I have been a spectacle wearer from a very young age and I always struggled to find something that suits my face…

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Suzana Gorda

When people meet me for the first time, they always comment on my passion and knowledge in optics. That’s because I love what I do! I have been a spectacle wearer from a very young age and I always struggled to find something that suits my face. Now as a Dispensing Optician, with every patient I see, I always go above and beyond to not only find them a frame they love but also have the sharpest vision through their lenses.

I graduated in 2016 from Anglia Ruskin University and ever since than I have enjoyed working with luxury high end frames and bespoke lenses. I have specialised in creating bespoke frames based on someone’s individual facial measurements. Some of my favourite brands are Mykita, Jacques Marie Mage, Hoya and Zeiss. Alongside my experience in practice, I am also a part-time lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University teaching BSc Hons Ophthalmic Dispensing. I love sharing my knowledge with my students and it’s a real joy seeing them achieve their fullest potential. Being a finalist for the Dispensing Optician of the Year Awards 2020 is a great honour and representation of dedication to the industry.

Outside of optics, I enjoy keeping fit and healthy through yoga, weight lifting and healthy eating. My free time is normally spent with my family if not travelling.

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 I have worked in optics for more than 25 years in some of London’s best practices, with many progressive years honing my craft at Auerbach & Steele, but also as a consultant on design and build of eyewear, and in wholesale.

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Az

I have worked in optics for more than 25 years in some of London’s best practices, with many progressive years honing my craft at Auerbach & Steele, but also as a consultant on design and build of eyewear, and in wholesale. The most satisfying of all the work I have done is helping patients find solutions for their specific needs for their work, social needs or sport, but at the same time making sure the design of the spectacles suits their face and character.

Trust is key to getting this right so by discussing the prescription and the eyewear with the patient we work together to get the right design and fit in both frames but also lenses. More recently, working with Sophie and George Taylor-West has provided us with a ‘light bulb’ moment when we realised we could pool our knowledge and form another practice in Battersea, which is now 4th in the group but my first practice. I am a local in Battersea for nearly 25 years, and I’ve seen Northcote Road in all its changes.

We have some outstanding and wonderful independent eyewear brands and very much look forward to helping you find your perfect eyewear in Battersea.

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Having covered various roles in optics, from optical assistant through to fully qualified dispensing optician and practice manager, I learned quite early on that I really enjoyed helping people and was fascinated by how the eye works.

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Shirelle

Having covered various roles in optics, from optical assistant through to fully qualified dispensing optician and practice manager, I learned quite early on that I really enjoyed helping people and was fascinated by how the eye works.

I have 17 years of experience in optics and have only worked for independent opticians, which has given me the freedom and choice to really find the best solution for a patient.

Over the years, I’ve enjoyed working with so many frame designers and lens manufacturers and, having done a workshop for hand-made frames and fitting them using bespoke facial measurements, I have realised how important, exciting, and innovative frame design has become. I enjoy creating an experience for the patients that starts from the minute they walk through the door, ensuring everyone has a special journey that is fun, enjoyable, and relaxed.

I’m a positive and motivating person and always give 100% to everything I do.
My favourite thing about my job is when someone collects their spectacles and seeing that smile when they see the world properly through a gorgeous pair of glasses that look amazing and fit perfectly. That sense of satisfaction is the best feeling- I can’t ever remember a time in my career when I’ve woken up and had the Monday blues that so many people get when they don’t like their job.

In my spare time, I love expanding my knowledge at continuous education events (a bit geeky). I also like to travel, meet friends, keep fit and, when I have a spare moment, just curling up in front of the fire with a good book and a glass of wine.

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In 2009, I spent my birthday on a flight from Malaysia to the UK. I was set on pursuing a degree in Optometry at Cardiff University. Many birthdays later, I still find myself fascinated by what the field of optics and optometry has to offer.

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Darlynn

In 2009, I spent my birthday on a flight from Malaysia to the UK. I was set on pursuing a degree in Optometry at Cardiff University. Many birthdays later, I still find myself fascinated by what the field of optics and optometry has to offer.

Having required spectacles and contact lenses from a young age, I was no stranger to attending optician appointments growing up. I was inspired by how my local optometrist had influenced my life and today, at Taylor-West, I strive to have the same positive impact on all our patients.

As a Battersea/Clapham resident, I am passionate about providing eyecare to the local community. At the same time, I am excited to meet new patients and improve their quality of life by providing high-quality vision care.

Apart from my role at Taylor-West, I also work in the Glaucoma Service and Retinal Therapy Unit at Moorfields Eye Hospital. Since graduating in 2012, I have continuously sought to improve my skills. I am currently working towards gaining additional prescribing rights for prescription eye medicines, having gained a Professional Certificate in Glaucoma in 2021. I am a firm believer that one’s learning should never stop, no matter the experience.

Work aside, I enjoy badminton, travelling, and yummy food!

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I love spending time with people, listening, investigating, and problem-solving. Thankfully, this is what I do all day as an optometrist.

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Shalona

I love spending time with people, listening, investigating, and problem-solving. Thankfully, this is what I do all day as an optometrist.

The beauty of being able to do this at Taylor-West is threefold. First is the time set aside to spend with each patient, a luxury rarely offered to either the practitioner or the patient at most practices one may encounter. Second is access to great diagnostic equipment as a routine part of the eye examination. This means eye symptoms can be properly investigated, and clinical expertise can be properly applied and communicated interactively to patients. The third is being part of a team who delivers the best visual and aesthetic outcome to every client.

My interest in physics, biology, anatomy, and human interaction directed my path toward the Health Sciences and I qualified with a distinction in Optometry from the University of Durban-Westville in South Africa with a Merit for Outstanding Performance in Clinical Optometry. My professional journey commenced in South Africa, working for the Red Cross Flying Ambulance service, providing eyecare to rural communities with limited access to healthcare.

London is the place I now call home. I qualified and registered to practice as an optometrist in the UK in 2002. My inclination has always been towards the independent optometry setting, an environment that in my opinion facilitates broader professional growth and freedom and offers patients a bespoke choice of services and products. I’ve had the privilege of practicing at some of the best optometry practices in London, including Auerbach and Steele Opticians, where I spent over 12 years as the lead optometrist. During this time, I undertook a postgraduate degree at City University and was awarded a first-class master’s degree in Clinical Optometry (MSc Advanced Practice in Health and Social Care) in 2018 and received the Hedley Lacey Memorial Prize for Therapeutics.

Following a clinical placement at St Thomas’ Hospital Eye Services in 2019, and successfully completing the Therapeutics Common Final Assessment in Independent Prescribing run by the College of Optometrists, I obtained an independent prescribing (IP) qualification in 2020.

I now divide my professional time between working as part of a team of optometrists and ophthalmologists in a private eye clinic, and my work as a community optometrist in independent practices.

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After I qualified as an optometrist in Spain in 1996 and worked in several independent practices, I decided to move to UK in 2001 in order to study a master’s degree in Optometry. It was during this period when I developed a keen interest in contact lenses, specialising in contact lense fitting and dry eye. I qualified to practice in UK in 2002 and since then I have been working as an optometrist at independent practices.

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Yolanda

After I qualified as an optometrist in Spain in 1996 and worked in several independent practices, I decided to move to UK in 2001 in order to study a master’s degree in Optometry. It was during this period when I developed a keen interest in contact lenses, specialising in contact lense fitting and dry eye. I qualified to practice in UK in 2002 and since then I have been working as an optometrist at independent practices.

On a personal note, I am myopic and have suffered the effects since I was a young girl. Given recent developments and improvements in technology, it is now possible to slow down the progression of myopia and, given my personal experience, I am particularly keen to take advantage of those technologies to help children not only by correcting their eyesight but also by slowing down the progress of myopia.

One last thing, I’m also interested in fashion and the latest trends in eyewear and you may see me with a different pair of frames every day! All of them are available at Taylor & West, where you can find the trendiest spectacles in London.

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Peggy has been a member of the team since 2015, and is our chief ‘meeter and greeter’ in residence. She loves to come and say hello to all visitors to the practice, and she takes her job very seriously!