Meet The Team of Ellis & Thompson Optometrists
Our Clinicians
Nirmal Sehmi
Position: Senior Specialist Optometrist and Practice Clinical Lead
Year of qualification: 1986
Qualifications: BSc (Hons) Optometry; Dip (Tp) IP
Registered Speciality: Therapeutic Optometrist, Independent Prescriber
Special Interests: Emergency Eyecare, Glaucoma, Medical Retina, Dry Eyes, Second Opinions, Inflammatory Eye Disease
Nirmal Sehmi is the lead clinician for Ellis and Thompson. With over 30 years of post-registration experience, Nirmal has extensive experience in all aspects of optometry, and is the only optometrist within the village of Cobham that holds an advanced therapeutic qualification, allowing her to diagnose and prescribe medication for eye emergencies.
Nirmal deals with all aspects of eyecare but has a special interest in glaucoma and emergency eyecare. She works closely with local surgeons to co-manage complex eye conditions that require both surgical and medical management.
Tassnima Aboobakar
Position: Senior Optometrist
Year of qualification: 1998
Qualifications: BSc (Hons) Optometry; Dip Medical Retina
Registered Speciality: Medical Retina
Special Interests: Glaucoma, Medical Retina, Macula Degeneration, Myopia Control, Diabetes, Geriatric Eye Disease.
Tassnima Aboobakar joined Ellis and Thompson in 2022, having previously held the position of specialist optometrist at Frimley Park Hospital.
With over 20 years of post-registration experience, including 6 years at Frimley Park Hospital treating wet macula degeneration, Tassnima has extensive experience in medical retina, specifically diabetes and macula degeneration. In addition to her primary specialities, Tassnima has a particular interest in myopia control in children.
Romana Hashim
Position: Senior Specialist Optometrist and Clinical Director
Year of qualification: 1996
Qualifications: BSc (Hons) Optometry; Dip (Tp) IP, FBDO
Registered Speciality: Therapeutic Optometrist, Independent Prescriber. Dispensing Optician
Special Interests: Emergency Eyecare, Glaucoma, Paediatrics, Complex contact lenses, Dry Eyes, Second Opinions.
Romana Hashim holds overall responsibility for the clinical activities of the group. Under her guidance and leadership, Ellis and Thompson has substantially increased its clinical offering and is well recognised as offering the most advanced clinical services in the area.
Romana has extensive clinical experience, having spent a large part of her career holding the position of Senior Specialist Optometrist at Prince Charles Eye Unit in Windsor. Described as an excellent “all-rounder” by her peers, Romana has extensive experience in diagnosing and managing glaucoma, paediatric optometry (including detecting and management of squint and lazy eyes), specialist and complex contact lenses, medical contact lenses, neuro-ophthalmology and medical retina.
Holding a dual qualification in both optometry and dispensing, Romana is one of the few optometrists in the country that can offer an expert opinion in all aspects of eyecare, including problem-solving spectacle issues.
As an independent prescriber, Romana manages complex and urgent ocular pathology and works closely with eye surgeons to manage patients with complex needs.
Hoa Nguyen
Position: Specialist Optometrist
Year of qualification: 2010
Qualifications: BSc (Hons) Optometry
Registered Speciality:
Special Interests: Paediatric Optometry, Myopia Control, Dry Eyes, Binocular Vision and Reading Difficulties
Hoa joined Ellis and Thompson in 2021, having previously held the position of specialist optometrist at our sister practices in Strood, Kensington and Guildford.
With over 10 years of post-registration experience, Hoa has extensive experience in specialist paediatric eyecare, specifically investigating visual stress and reading difficulties as well as, myopia control. In addition to her primary specialities, Hoa has a particular interest in Dry Eyes including punctal plugs and Blephex treatments.
Our Practice Team
Arthur Piggott
Position: Practice Manager & Dispensing Optician
Meet Arthur, our Practice Manager and Dispensing Optician extraordinaire, he's been an indispensable part of our team since early 2022, bringing a wealth of experience and a contagious passion for eyewear.
With over two decades in the optical industry, Arthur's expertise is second to none. He's been honing his craft since 2011 when he earned his stripes as a qualified Dispensing Optician. Arthur's insatiable curiosity led him to explore various realms of the optical world, from ophthalmic laboratories to cutting-edge technologies. He's a true wizard when it comes to the technical intricacies of eyewear, guaranteeing that every patient leaves our practice with nothing short of extraordinary vision.
Beyond his unwavering dedication to eyecare, he's a loving father, tackling the exhilarating challenge of raising not one, but two bundles of joy—11-month-old twins!
Qais Ebayia
Position: Senior Dispenser
Allow us to introduce Qais, our resident frame aficionado and spectacle stylist extraordinaire. With an impressive career spanning nearly 25 years, Qais has amassed a treasure trove of experience since he first qualified as a Dispensing Optician back in 1999, in Jordan.
Since joining Ellis and Thompson in 2016, Qais has used his expert eye for detail and an uncanny ability to understand personal style, he effortlessly assists our patients in finding the perfect frames that not only enhance their appearance but also form a harmonious partnership with their lenses.
Beyond his exceptional skills in the practice, Qais is an adventurer at heart, he loves travelling and cooking up a storm in the kitchen. And of course, amidst all the excitement, he cherishes every precious moment spent with his beloved family.
Karen McAuliffe
Position: Dispensing Optician
With an impressive career spanning over 26 years, Karen has honed her skills as a highly experienced Dispensing Optician, specialising in paediatric and occupational dispensing. But her passion doesn't stop there—she possesses an insatiable curiosity for clinical patient management, constantly striving to deliver exemplary care to every individual who walks through our doors.
Karen's dedication to her craft is palpable. She sees beyond just the frames and lenses, understanding the importance of building trust, rapport, and empathy with each patient. From young children to the most discerning professionals, Karen's expert guidance ensures that every pair of spectacles offers crystal-clear vision and unrivalled comfort.
Beyond Ellis & Thompson, Karen enjoys live music, travelling the world and photography.
Denise Kennedy
Position: Receptionist
Meet Denise, the vibrant soul who has been spreading joy at Ellis and Thompson & Eye Academy since 2016. With an impressive 33-year career in the world of optics, in many roles including management; Denise's expertise and dedication have made her an indispensable member of our team.
Denise's infectious enthusiasm and genuine care have been instrumental in keeping our patients happy and satisfied. From helping you find the perfect frames to ensuring smooth operations behind the scenes, she is the glue that holds everything together. Her attention to detail and wealth of knowledge make every visit to our practice a delightful experience.
Beyond her role at the practice, Denise loves spending time with her family, especially her beloved grandchildren.