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.

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!

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.