Meet the Team

Georgia Wootton

Therapeutic Optometrist

Originally from Stourbridge, Georgia qualified as an Optometrist at Bradford University, then went on to spend six weeks working in an ophthalmology department in Philadelphia, USA.

She specialises in therapeutics and Independent Prescribing, and has her Prof Cert in Glaucoma and Prof Cert in Med Ret. She is currently finishing her masters and also spends one day a week working in Hereford County Hospital's eye casualty.

When she gets some time off she enjoys travelling, learning acrobatic circus skills, and going to contemporary dance classes.

Lydia Stevens

Pre-Registration Optometrist

Lydia graduated from Cardiff University in the summer of 2023 with a BSc in Optometry and joined BBR the same autumn as a Pre-Registration Optometrist. When not examining patients, her days are spent studying for upcoming exams and asking her supervisors lots and lots of questions.

Outside of work, Lydia is an avid reader and musical theatre fanatic. If the wind blows in the right direction, she may also recite Shakespeare on request (she is easily bribed if you bring her a croissant and a can of coke!)

Andy Bell

Dispensing Optician

Andy joined BBR in March 2023. Originally from Essex, he trained as a Dispensing Optician in London.

Outside of the practice he enjoys strategy and co-op games.

Andy is very patient and attentive to his patient's needs.

Nicola Rees

Dispensing Optician / Contact Lens Optician

Nicola has worked in optics for 40 years, starting initially as a receptionist. She studied to become a Dispensing Optician, qualifying in 1993. Later on she studied to become a Contact Lens Optician, qualifying in 2000. She absolutely loves her job enjoys catching-up with her patients. Nicola has also supervised a number of trainee Dispensing Opticians and managed practices.

Although Nicola doesn’t have much spare time, when she does she enjoys spending time with her daughters, especially baking. She also enjoy foreign holidays, catching up with friends, and enjoying a lovely meal out.

Emma Swain

Clinical Assistant

When Emma joined BBR, she brought a wealth of optical knowledge and experience. She is always professional and helpful.

Outside of the practice she enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Molly Ridgway

Optical Assistant

Our trainee Optical Assistant Molly loves to be active. She enjoys hiking, horse hiding, and rock climbing.

Oliver Jackson

Optical Assistant

Oliver joined BBR in April 2022 and is currently training as an Optical Assistant.

Has 2 cats called Comet and Smudge, with whom he enjoys the quiet life. He loves reading comics, Lego, and playing Zelda.

Hannah Dickinson

Optometrist

Hannah is BBR's very own ray of sunshine! She qualified as an Optometrist at Anglia Ruskin University and is currently studying for her Prof Cert in Glaucoma.

This self-confessed optics geek loves getting to grips with new equipment that enables her to provide her patients with the best possible care. She gives all her patients the time and advice they need.

Her infectious laugh never fails to make those around her smile.

Marcus-Scott Robinson

WRC

Marcus has had a very varied career within the healthcare sector over the past 12 years, having worked in a number of different roles such as dental nursing, teaching and assessing, and most recently adult social services. It was following this stint that Marcus decided to go down a different route, and joined The Hearing Care Partnership as a Wax Removal Clinician.

Marcus loves life at The Hearing Care Partnership because...

"Within my role, I love helping patients when they need it the most. Hearing is such an important sense and when someone has a wax build-up, being able to remove it and restore their hearing levels gives me, and my patient, great satisfaction, so it's a real honour to be a part of."

Outside of work Marcus enjoys...

Travelling across the world to explore different countries, spending time with his family, living the rural life in the Cotswolds, and his two dogs Ryder and Marshall.

Rosa Chester

Hearing Aid Dispenser

Having studied at De Montfort University in Leicester, Rosa is a dedicated Audiologist who has already made a name for herself within the industry. She not only won the prestigious Charles Holland Award, but was also awarded Audiologist of the Year in her previous position. Rosa now joins us at The Hearing Care Partnership.

Rosa loves life at The Hearing Care Partnership because...

"I decided to join The Hearing Care Partnership to take on a new challenge and progress my career within audiology. Working with The Hearing Care Partnership allows me to deliver the best possible patient experience, with fantastic testing capabilities."

Outside of work Rosa enjoys...

Going on adventures, whether that's through travelling or skydiving. She also has a love for architecture and farming, especially pigs and sheep.

Austin Timoney

Audiology

Austin has a strong background in science, with degrees in Natural Sciences, Biotechnology and Audiology. He has extensive experience in the assessment and rehabilitation of adults and children with hearing loss, having worked for the NHS prior to joining The Hearing Care Partnership. Austin is dual-registered with the HCPC as a Clinical Scientist and Hearing Aid Dispenser.

With his strong focus on providing patient-centred hearing care, Austin appreciates that his working environment permits ample time and access to the best technology. This ensures he can help his patients to live a life uncompromised by hearing loss.

Austin has a young family and spends his spare time enjoying nature and outdoor pursuits: “I love getting out into the great outdoors, whether hiking or cycling, or just indulging in a round of golf!”

MSci Optometrist

Since 2007, BBR Optometry has been one of the chosen placement practices to deliver The University of Manchester’s MSci Degree. At the end of their second year at the university, prospective students are selected via interview and to date BBR Optometry has supported over 22 students to their Masters in Optometry.

Appointments with our placement Optometrists take approximately one hour and are very thorough. The details and outcome of the appointment are discussed with a supervising Optometrist before the patient leaves.

Having worked with number of the MSci students, Technical Support Officer, Emily Willerton says, “They all bring something different to the practice and help to keep us on our toes. Having MSci Optometrists here means that we are always training which helps us all to keep our skills polished and up to scratch. The only negative is that after six months, they leave us but they almost always keep in touch and some even come back!”

Laura Newman

Lead Clinical Assistant

Laura is the longest standing member of BBR's reception team, having worked here for more than 15 years. Laura's knowledge of our patients is unparalleled, and her efficient approach ensures all jobs get completed.

When not at work, Laura spends most of her time with her husband and two daughters, but she also enjoys time with friends.

Laura Fensom

Dispensing Optician

Laura joined the team as a Clinical Assistant in 2010 and in the summer if 2022 became our fourth Dispensing Optician to complete ABDO’s Dispensing Optician degree.

When not at work, Laura is kept busy by her two young children! She is a keen photographer and enjoys taking long country walks.

Emily Willerton

Technical Support

Emily initially began working at BBR as an Optical Assistant in 2008 until she left in 2011 to travel the world. On returning from her adventures, she re-joined us as a member of the front of house team but has since had a complete role change and she is now the ‘go-to’ person for all IT issues – whether it be sorting out a printer jam, co-ordinating equipment installations and upgrades with suppliers or developing and updating internal procedures. She’s always on the go and likes to be busy.

In October 2019, Emily began studying for a BSc in IT & Computing through the Open University.

When not at work, Emily enjoys adventures with her family, reading and collecting Terry Pratchett books and all things Ghibli.

Lisa Strevens

Staff Resources Manager

Lisa is one of the longest standing members of BBR; she joined the team back in 1988 as a receptionist. She gradually moved into a more administrative role and, in 2004, became the Staff Resource Manager. Lisa knows the practice inside out, and this knowledge combined with her organisational skills ensures that the whole practice runs efficiently. Lisa's role also means that she has a close working relationship with all members of staff and she is a friendly face to all.

Lisa has a very busy life out of work as she has two very active children, who attend lots of extra-curricular activities.

Daniel Read

Practice Manager / Dispensing Optician

Daniel qualified in 2001 and spent some years working for a small group of independent practices in Gloucester. He joined BBR as Practice Manager and Dispensing Optician in February 2015. Daniel has a real passion for eyewear and has spent time curating our collection of eyewear brand to ensure our patients have the best selection of frames to choose from.

Magda Peppa

Dispensing Optician / Contact Lens Practitioner

Magda joined BBR Optometry in December 2014 as a qualified Dispensing Optician. She completed her undergraduate studies in Optics and Optometry at I.R.S.O.O. (The Research Institute of Studies in Optics and Optometry) in Vinci, Italy in 2003. In addition, she completed one year of studies at the Sector of Medium Executives of Enterprises in Management & Finance. She previously worked as a DO-Optometrist in Greece and is fluent in Greek, English and Italian.

Magda's main interest is the best treatment of her patients and the satisfaction that she feels when she is able to effectively help with specific problems. Her future plan is to continue her education and follow further postgraduate studies in her professional field so that she can continue to expand her knowledge.

When not working, Magda spends her spare time with her family and children. She loves travelling, particularly to the Greek islands, and she is a keen skier and water sports enthusiast.

Nick Black

CEO / Contact Lens and Low Vision Practitioner

Nick is CEO of BBR – a contact lens optician and low vision practitioner. He joined the practice in 2000 and also runs a hospital contact lens clinic.

Nick’s hero is Brendon McCullum (former New Zealand cricketer & captain) because he was an inspirational guy who allowed a team to perform better than the sum of parts, but in a fair respectful way and with a smile.

If he could have dinner with anyone it would be Brain Lahore – coach to the All Blacks for the first world cup. He developed a professional attitude in an amateur era that put New Zealand years ahead of the competition and, you could argue, defined the modern era we see today in terms of win ratio.

As you might have guessed, Nick hails from the beautiful New Zealand.

His favourite BBR product is the Lindberg Air Rim Titanium range as it’s versatile, practical and comfortable.

Alison Edwards

Optometrist

Alison graduated from the University of Bradford in May 2014 with BSc (Hons) in Optometry and completed her pre-registration year at home in Ireland. Most recently, Alison has passed an additional qualification in Independent Prescribing.

After fully qualifying as an Optometrist in July 2015, Alison also completed the College of Optometrists Professional Certificate in Medical Retina and Glaucoma through the University of Ulster.

She moved to Herefordshire and started working at BBR Optometry in June 2017, along with a day a week at Hereford County Hospital’s Eye Department.

In her spare time, Alison is a member of a local netball club. She also enjoys running and going to the gym. During her holidays, she likes to return to Co. Donegal in Ireland to visit family and friends.

Laura Williams

Senior Optometrist

Laura joined the practice as a full time Optometrist in May 2015, after spending time with us on placement in 2013 during her Masters of Optometry training. In 2017 she gained her independent prescribing qualification and she also holds a Professional Certificate in Glaucoma. Laura has interests in myopia control and contact lenses, and she holds the title of British Contact Lens Association Young Contact Lens Practitioner of the Year 2017. When not working, she enjoys gardening, growing her own vegetables and running.

Nicholas Rumney

Senior Optometrist / Chairman

Professor Rumney is an Optometrist and Owner/Director and joined BBR in 1991. He qualified in 1980 before becoming a Member of the College of Optometrists and GOC registered in 1981. He went on to gain his Optometry MSc from the University of Melbourne in 1986. In 1994 he gained a Fellowship with the College of Optometrists in low vision and ocular disease modules. In 2012 he gained a Diploma in Therapeutics, and Professional Certificate Medical Retina in 2014. In 2016 he was awarded the Philip Cole Research Excellence Award. Nick is well respected world-wide for his contributions to optics and optometry. When not working he enjoys things with wheels and engines - cars and motorcycles. Rugby and cricket are his favourite sports, and he often follows the Lions touring worldwide.

Suzanne Wadsworth

Senior Optometrist/Director

Suzanne graduated from Cardiff in 1993 with BSc Hons and joined BBR in June 2006. In 2016, she was appointed to the Board as a Director and shareholder. She has a keen interest in paediatric work and has completed courses on Colorimetry and coloured overlays. Suzanne has three children and enjoys spending time on the Malvern Hills with her two dogs whenever possible. She also likes to return to Ireland and Devon for holidays.

Chris Head

Optometrist

Chris joined the BBR team in January 2022 and brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience. Having graduated from Manchester University in 1999, he has worked hard to expand his skillset gaining College Professional Certificates in Glaucoma and Medical Retina, and has nearly completed his qualification to be a Independent Prescriber.

When not at the practice, Chris works for the National Diabetic Eye Screening Programme, and at the Victoria Eye Unit, working with the Intravitreal Injection Service. He is also the Treasurer of the Local Optical Committee and is involved in the community shared care schemes.

The father of two, and husband to Lucy, somehow manages to find time for rowing, cycling and swimming as well! He is a keen member of Hereford Rowing Club, cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats in 2019, completed the Great North Swim (10km in open water), and swam from Tenby to Saundersfoot.

Matthew Steadman

Clinical & Optical Assistant

Matthew joined the practice in 2021 and has stepped into the Clinical and Optical Assistant roles. He aims to provide the best possible care for BBR’s patients by excelling during their screening process. Matt has a fantastic rapport with patients, is very patients and just a little bit cheeky.

Outside of work, Matt spends as much time as he can with his family, especially playing games and watching films with his little girl who is says is growing up way to fast!

Jessica Billington

Clinical Assistant

Jessica joined the BBR team in 2022 and undertook in-house training to become one of our valuable Clinical Assistants.