MEET THE TEAM

Ali has been involved with the practice since 1982. He is a highly experienced optometrist and contact lens practitioner with advanced contact lens diploma (DCLP). As well as working at Hitchin, he also works at a number of Hospital Eye Departments including Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge where he specialises in complex contact lens fitting. He is a member of BCLA (British Contact Lens Association), and UK Keratoconus Self Help and Support Association. Outside optics, Ali is a Rotarian and enjoys getting involved in various charity projects. In his spare time he enjoys cooking, listening to music, and country walks.

Elanor joined the practice in 2002 and was previously in charge of a practice in Welwyn Garden City. She is married with two teenage sons. Elanor runs the Contact Lens Clinic at Moorfields Eye Hospital at Bedford as well as working at Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, and at Hitchin.

Laura joined our practice in 2016, bringing with her over 18 years of optical experience in a wide variety of practices, from high street multiples to family run independents. Laura prides herself on professionalism and attention to detail, using her extensive knowledge to help patients choose glasses which are not only comfortable, but look good and reflect their personality.

Laura is mum to two young boys, and enjoys swimming, arts and crafts and cooking in her (rare) spare time.

Julie started her career in optics in 1997 as a trainee Optical Assistant. Throughout the years she gained experience to become a senior Optical assistant and then Manager of a busy practice.

In her spare time she enjoy running, walking and reading.

After qualifying as an optometrist in 2010, Jilna has worked in a range of different optometric practices from large chains to small independent opticians, gaining a wealth of experience.

She is very methodical in her testing and consultation approach and enjoys taking on a challenge.

Having worn  glasses and contact lenses for most of her life being short-sighted, she can speak from personal experience about which contact lenses and optical lenses are most suitable for individual patients’ needs.

In her free time she loves travelling, hiking and exploring new places. She is passionate about helping people and have in the past volunteered for a charity providing eyecare services and glasses to the homeless.  She was also part of a team that organised an eye camp in rural India.

Lauren was previously the practice manager at Hitchin Visioncare for 10 years and joined us when Hitchin Visioncare merged with us in 2021. She has brought her extensive knowledge of designer brands, dispensing a variety of different lenses and problem solving. Lauren prides herself in her ability to build relationships with our patients and helping them with all of their needs. In her spare time, Lauren is a huge theatre nerd and especially loves seeing a musical in the West End. She loves cooking and trying new, exciting foods whilst sipping a glass of wine!

Umarah entered the world of optics in 2016 when she began studying at Anglia Ruskin University. Having completed her degree and working in a busy practice since 2019, she has become extremely knowledgeable about lenses and solving complex dispensing problems. She is now on her journey to become a qualified Dispensing Optician. Umarah’s favourite part of her job is helping our youngest patients! She uses her patience and skill to help parents choose the best glasses for their children.

Louisa is fairly new to the world of optics and has been with us since 2021. She has enjoyed learning about dispensing alongside her colleagues for the past year, and is well on the way to completing her training course to become an optical assistant. She has discovered her love for helping patients find their perfect frame and is looking forward to expanding her knowledge in the different types of lenses we offer. Louisa has also taken on the role of Social Media Director and uses her creativity to design posters for around the practice. When she’s not drinking cocktails with her friends, Louisa loves to read and also enjoys painting!

Jodie is the Queen of our contact lens department! She has previously worked in optics for over 2 years and joined us in 2021. Jodie is in charge of ordering contact lenses for our patients here at Shephard and Akay, as well as for patients seen at our hospital clinics. Jodie also completes important admin tasks such as handling direct debits and invoices. She spends her weekends drinking wine, watching movies and reading thrillers.

Elaine joined us in 2021 with a retail background. She helps with reception and admin duties, as well as being our Health and Safety Champion. Elaine is a proud Mum of two grown up children and enjoys singing in a choir and playing the piano in her spare time.

Anneka joined us as an Optical Assistant in 2015 with 3 years experience in a busy practice and took on the role of team leader in 2021. Having worn glasses from a very young age, Anneka is very aware of the importance of looking good in glasses and uses her personal experience to help patients choose the frames and lenses most suited to them. Anneka has recently become a new mum and when she’s not looking after her little one, she enjoys socialising with friends, winding down with a glass of wine with a good novel and her favourite food.