Our Committee

Victoria Merrett

Gurdeep Bansal

Stuart Burdett

I am enjoying my 40th year in optics, initially as a DO and CLO, and then graduated from Aston University in 2000 in Optometry. My work has been varied with positions in management and professional services in several companies, but always with some time in the consulting room. I have also been a clinical adviser for the NHS since 2008, chair of OFNC in 2019/2020 and have worked on a couple of GOC cases as an expert witness. In the twilight of my career I work in two local independent practices.

I joined the LOC about 23 years ago and have been secretary for over 10 and I also administer DBS checks.

Spare time is filled with friends and family, travel, keeping fit, music, both listening and playing the sax badly, and spending a lot of time in the garden.

Jonathan Lee

Andrew Jelley

I'm Andrew Jelley, I've been practicing in Tenbury Wells ,Worcestershire  since 1984 during which time I've seen a good deal of change, almost all of which is for the better.

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I'm very pleased to be part of  the Worcestershire LOC which has done so much to promote optometry for the benefit of the community here in the county. I also sit on the Herefordshire  LOC and aim to provide liaison between the two.

Outside of my work I enjoy walking the Malvern Hills and being involved with Bromyard Rugby Club where I have been a player then a member for over 40 years.

Matt Burford

I graduated from Aston in 2003 before completing my pre reg at Specsavers and then finding my domiciliary niche in 2005. This has seen me on a journey, both literally and figuratively. I have been lucky enough to have several articles published across Optometry Today, The Optician and DOCET. In 2020 I was also honoured to be shortlisted for AOP Optometrist of the Year. I joined the LOC in 2012, initially as an interested observer and then as an elected member. My current role as CPD Lead sees me liaising with speakers and organising events, so if you have any requests for topics, locations then please do not hesitate to get in touch via the “contact us” section of the website.

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Away from Optometry I enjoy the odd escape room with my wife and daughter as well as frustratingly trying to lower my golf handicap.

Pritpal Sandhu

Pritpal is the principal optometrist and co-owner of Peter Smith Opticians in Pershore, Worcestershire. After earning his BSc (Hons) in Optometry from Aston University, Birmingham, he has worked at Peter Smith Opticians since 2003. He specialises in complex contact lens fitting, dry eye treatment, and visual stress—driven by a desire to help patients with challenging visual needs and find effective solutions. In July 2019, Pritpal joined the Worcestershire LOC, motivated by his commitment to staying up-to-date on local developments and wanting to contribute to discussions for the benefit of patients in Worcestershire. His responsibilities include assisting with communications both among LOC members and within the primary care trust.

Outside work, Pritpal enjoys family getaways and exploring various attractions throughout the UK. He’s also keen on gadgets and occasionally tries his hand at DIY projects when he has spare time.