Our Committee Members
Our Role
Herefordshire LOC plays a key role in supporting and developing local eye care services, acting as a bridge between optical professionals, NHS commissioners, and other healthcare professionals. Our members are elected from within the optical profession and bring a wealth of experience and insight to guide the LOC's work. Here’s a little bit of information about each of them!
Darren Smith
LOC Chairman
Georgia Wootton
LOC Secretary
I relocated to Hereford as a resident optometrist in 2022, became secretary for Hereford LOC in 2023 and became a shareholder at BBR Optometry in 2025. I started my career at Specsavers in the Black Country and moved into the independent optical sector following completion of my pre-registration year in 2016. I currently also work one day a week in eye casualty at Hereford County Hospital and perform YAG capsulotomy at BHA when I can! My position at Herefordshire LOC allows me to demonstrate the value that enhanced eyecare schemes and optometrists can offer to the wider health care community. Outside of optometry I try to get to the gym and keep moving by exploring the local countryside.
Andy Bell FBDO
LOC Treasurer
I trained as a Dispensing Optician in London qualifying in 2012. Originally based in Essex I have worked across a mix of multiples, independents, and domiciliary care – including a few years in Scotland. I often joke that I came to Hereford the long way around. Outside of work, I enjoy rowing (slowly but steadily) and getting involved in local projects. I joined the LOC to support the profession and help keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.
Chris Head
Vice Treasurer
Nick Black
LOC Member
Nick is CEO of BBR optometry – a contact lens optician and low vision practitioner. He moved to Herefordshire in 2000 and also runs the hospital contact lens clinic at BBR. 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. As you might have guessed, Nick hails from the beautiful New Zealand.
David Griffiths
LOC Member
Tarek Higgi
LOC Member
Andrew Jelley
LOC Member
I'm Andrew Jelley, I've been practicing in Herefordshire since 1983 during which time I've seen a good deal of change, almost all of which is for the better. I'm very pleased to be part of the Herefordshire LOC which has done so much to promote optometry for the benefit of the community here in the county. I also sit on the Worcestershire LOC and aim to provide liaison between the two. Outside of my work I enjoy being involved with Bromyard Rugby Club where I have been a player then a member for over 40 years.
Alex Lane
LOC Member
Suzanne Wadsworth
LOC Member