Our Optometrists

At Onlookers Opticians, we provide the most thorough and complete eye examination using the latest technology. We understand that no two patients are the same and the eye examination is tailored to meet your precise needs. Our Opticians have undertaken additional qualifications and use the latest technology to give our patients the care they deserve. In addition all are MECS registered so are able to see you for NHS funded emergency Eyecare.

GEMMA MCDERMOTT
BSc (Hons)DipTP(IP) Prof Cert Med Ret Prof Cert Glau MCOPTOM

Gemma has been a resident optometrist at Onlookers for over ten years. She also works at York Hospital in different clinics such as glaucoma, medical retina and paediatrics.

 

She studied at Cardiff University and qualified in 2003 and has since gained a broad experience in many areas of optometry.

 

Over the past few years she has achieved additional specialist qualifications including Independent Prescribing in 2021 which means she can now prescribe drugs for a range of eye conditions. She has a particular interest in medical retina conditions and dry eye disease.

She also does some freelance teaching on medical retina for Cardiff University.

 

Outside of work, she enjoys singing all kinds of a cappella music and being in wild places – sometimes at the same time.

STUART SELLENS
BSc (Hons) DipTP(IP) Higher Cert Glaucoma MCOPTOM
 Stuart graduated from the University of Bradford in 2014 with an honours degree in Optometry. He completed her pre-registration year in the midlands before relocating to the East Riding of Yorkshire in 2016.
He joined Onlookers in 2021
 
Stuart has a special interest in urgent presentations, glaucoma, and paediatrics, and achieved the Independent Prescribing qualification in 2021, enabling him to manage a wider range of eye conditions in practice. He also holds additional qualifications in Glaucoma. He has a keen interest in the history of optometry, and curates the small collection of vintage spectacles and equipment in our waiting room.
 
Stuart works part-time as a Principal Optometrist at Hull Royal Infirmary, examining patients in glaucoma, paediatric, and emergency eye-care clinics within the hospital.
 
Outside of work, Stuart is involved in a number of theatre societies in both Hull and York.
SIMON POTTER
BSc (Hons) MCOPTOM

Simon has followed in the footsteps of his grandfather and father, as the third generation of Optometrists in his family.

 

He started his career in optics over 25 years ago when he started working in his family’s independent practice in Hull as a trainee Dispensing Optician. Simon qualified as a Dispensing Optician in 2002 after studying at Bradford college. He continued to work in the family practice after qualifying but after a few years he decided to build on his experience by moving to a busy high street practice in Beverley, where in just over a year he was promoted to practice manager.

 

He has continued in his professional development and learning journey through the years. In 2016 he qualified as a Contact Lens Optician which meant he moved into a more clinical based role. Simon then was given the opportunity to take a year out of practice in 2022 for intense full time study to qualify as an Optometrist via the career progression route at Bradford University. He qualified as an Optometrist with a first class honours degree in 2023 and recently joined us in 2026 as a resident Optometrist.

 

Simon enjoys building a rapport with patients, he strongly believes that it is important that each patient feels valued and cared for as an individual. He feels that the availability of the latest diagnostic technology at Onlookers is of great benefit to patients, helping detect ocular and general health conditions even at an early stage. Having worked in the profession for many years, he feels that the selection of spectacle frames, sunglasses and lens options offered at Onlookers means that patients can enjoy great vision and styling options that can be truly individual.

 

Outside of work, Simon enjoys travel and spending time with his family. He enjoys cycling and keeping active, as well as playing the drums over the years in various bands. He is a die hard Hull City fan and enjoys cheering them on at the MKM stadium on match days.

LIZ EL-JASSAR
BSc, BSc (Optom) Mpa

Elizabeth “Liz” El Jassar is a qualified optometrist at Onlookers Opticians in Driffield, East Yorkshire, where she is passionate about delivering high-quality, patient-focused eyecare.

 

Liz finds it especially valuable that Onlookers is equipped with advanced diagnostic technology such as 3D OCT and Optomap wide-field retinal photography, which helps her assess eye health in greater detail and provide an enhanced level of care for her patients.

 

Liz has undertaken additional qualifications in medical retina and also works part time in the retinal screening department at HEYEH, allowing her to maintain strong clinical expertise alongside her community practice role.

 

Outside of work, she enjoys staying active, and has a love for the great outdoors particularly walking and skiing. Liz also loves spending time with her family and friends, and discovering new places whenever she can.

ELLEN BEDDOWS
BSc (Hons) DipTP(IP) DipGlauc Higher Cert Med Ret Prof CertPaed Eyecare MCOPTOM

Having worn glasses since she was four years old Ellen always found visiting the opticians and choosing her new spectacles a brilliant experience! Growing up, she always wanted to be an Optometrist and did her work experience in the Eye department in Hull whilst she was still at school.

Ellen graduated from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology and qualified as an Optometrist in 2003, and within 6 months was working back in the NHS Eye Department on the Hull Royal Infirmary site, where she has now worked for the last 22 years continuously. Over those years her qualifications and experience has grown significantly. Ellens current roles are predominantly within the Glaucoma Service, Medical Retina Service, Diabetic Eye Screening Programme and SLT / YAG laser clinics. As well as being mentored by some fabulous Consultant Eye Doctors over the years, she has also studied for various further qualifications including those in Independent Prescribing, Medical Retina, Glaucoma and Paediatric Eye Care.

Ellen continues to work 4 days per week for the Eye Clinic,
but says she is fortunate to also be able to work at Onlookers and really enjoy meeting the patients and being able to utilise her hospital knowledge to support and advise patients in a community setting. Ellen also remains hugely impressed by the excellent technology available (in particular the OCT scanners, Optos wide field imaging and Humphrey Visual Field machine) that support the Optometry team in diagnosing eye conditions and managing the needs of patients optimally. Additionally, the fabulous staff and wonderful environment make Onlookers a very special place.

Outside of work, Ellen likes to be outdoors and keeping active. Loves running in the Wolds, gardening and growing her own fruit and vegetables. Ellen also has various voluntary roles in her local community and enjoys coaching at her sons competitive swimming club.

SARAH NEAL
BSc(Hons) MCOptom
Sarah started wearing glasses at just 5 years old. From that day onwards, she was inspired to become an Optometrist herself and help others in the same way. She followed this dream all the way through school and graduated from Cardiff University with a 2:1 Optometry degree with Honours in 2012. She then went on to complete her pre registration year the following July.

Since qualifying, Sarah has been extremely happy that she was so determined to achieve her childhood goal. She loves every element of community Optometry! Her favourite thing about the job is getting to know each patient. She is great at building a rapport such that we can resolve any issues with the eyes or refer on efficiently to the appropriate secondary care.

She finds that all the staff at Onlookers make a fantastic team, such that, together we can provide excellent eye care for each and every individual who attends the practice. Outside of work, Sarah is always busy socialising with friends and family. She likes exploring new cities and discovering new places to see. Sarah loves going to gigs and music festivals (so much so that her kids have decided they want to join in too!)