The Staff

We have four members of permanent staff, two optometrists, a practice manager and a receptionist.

Principal Optometrist
Our principal optometrist and proprietor is Richard Stokes. He graduated from The City University in 1973 and became a fully qualified Optometrist in 1974. Since then he has gained the Diploma in Contact Lens Practice, the highest qualification in this field, and was elected a fellow of The British College of Optometrists in 1980. Mr Stokes is also Head of Optometry at QEII Hospital in Welwyn Garden City where he runs the contact lens clinic and is in charge of a small team of optometrists. He has been an examiner for the British College of Optometrists for over 15 years.

Optometrist
Jenny Warren graduated from City University in 1985 and became a Member of The British College of Optometrists in 1986. She has worked at the practice since 1987. Jenny also runs the evening clinic that we hold occasionally, and does home visits in the area.

Practice Manager
Lorna Braddon joined the practice as a receptionist in 1986. She first became senior receptionist before being promoted to Practice Manager in 1997. She takes responsibility over the day to day running of the practice.

Receptionist
Maggie Ford joined our team in 1999. She is usually the first member that our patients encounter and works hard to present a friendly and efficient atmosphere. Maggie brings a calming influence to the practice and is one of our most valued assets.

Post Graduate Training
In order to practice as an optometrist, students must complete a three year degree course and then spend a year working in practice as a pre-registered optometrist, or "pre-reg", under supervision. Both Mr Stokes and Mrs Warren are supervisors, having satisfied the British College of their suitability.

If you are seen by our pre-reg there will always be a qualified optometrist present and they will have overall responsibility for your examination.