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.
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, BSc (Optom) Mpa
My first degree was in Pharmacology and after a career in the pharmaceutical industry I returned to University to study Optometry. 


Outside of work I enjoy playing tennis, horse riding, running, the gym and walking my gorgeous dog Luna around the Wolds.  I have been learning the piano for many years with limited success. I also love to travel and have been lucky enough to have visited many far-flung places over the years.


I love my job as I enjoy meeting and helping our wonderful patients, and at Onlookers I have access to the latest technology such as the OCT 3D scanner and Optomap wide field imaging system to provide the highest standard of care.

SARAH NEAL
BSc, MCOptom
My first degree was in Pharmacology and after a career in the pharmaceutical industry I returned to University to study Optometry. 


Outside of work I enjoy playing tennis, horse riding, running, the gym and walking my gorgeous dog Luna around the Wolds.  I have been learning the piano for many years with limited success. I also love to travel and have been lucky enough to have visited many far-flung places over the years.


I love my job as I enjoy meeting and helping our wonderful patients, and at Onlookers I have access to the latest technology such as the OCT 3D scanner and Optomap wide field imaging system to provide the highest standard of care.