Sophie Taylor-West

Director / Optometrist

Sophie Taylor-West BSc(Hons) MCOptom

My journey in optometry began with a first-class degree in Optometry and Visual Science from the University of Wales, Cardiff. After graduating I moved to London, where I gained diverse experience in a prestigious West End practice alongside Nigel Burnett Hodd, where I developed my expertise in fitting contact lenses for a range of complex conditions, including diseased corneas, high prescriptions, toric lenses for astigmatism, and multifocal lenses for presbyopia.

During nine years at this practice, I discovered my passion for specialised lenses, particularly for keratoconus, post-graft, and post-refractive surgery corneas. My quest for knowledge and excellence took me to Moorfields Eye Hospital and Sussex Eye Hospital, where I spent several years as a specialist optometrist in the contact lens clinics.

To ensure I remain at the cutting edge of my field, I regularly attend international conferences like the Global Specialty Contact Lens Symposium in Las Vegas and the Keratoconus Meeting in Denmark. These experiences help me stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in contact lens technology and techniques.

Beyond clinical practice, I enjoy sharing my knowledge with others. I have trained optometrists in using SoClear and SynergEyes lenses, authored fitting guides, and lectured internationally in the US, Denmark, France, Switzerland, and the UK. My publications on complex lens fitting reflect my commitment to advancing the field of optometry. I have also consulted for No.7 Contact Lens Laboratory and conducted performance assessments for optometrists under investigation by the General Optical Council.

I genuinely love the challenges that come with treating diseased, damaged, and ‘awkward’ eyes. There’s immense satisfaction in helping individuals who struggle with their vision, transforming their sight, and improving their quality of life. This passion drives me every day to provide the best possible care for my patients.

In 2015, I opened my first practice in Hove. My goal was to bring the luxury optical services I had experienced in London to the high street. I aimed to offer my patients a different experience, one that was relaxed, stylish, and calming, moving away from the sterile, clinical feel of many practices while maintaining absolute professionalism and clinical excellence. I believe that an eye examination should be fun, stimulating, and reassuringly thorough, and choosing new eyewear should be an exciting adventure, not a stressful chore. Fortunately, the wonderful people of Brighton and Hove embraced this vision, and the practice has thrived. This success led to new practices opening in Dulwich in 2019, Battersea in 2022, and Brighton’s North Laine in 2023.