Who’s Who

Founder

Andrew Gasson

Andrew Gasson

Founder

DCLP, FCOptom, FAAO, ARPS (Contact lens specialist)

Andrew Gasson is an internationally recognised contact lens specialist whose career has spanned over six decades. He qualified as an optometrist in the 1960s and specialised exclusively in contact lenses since 1970.

In 1973, he opened a consulting practice at 51 Queen Anne Street, near Harley Street, and quickly became known for his clinical expertise. He served as a consultant to Bausch & Lomb and Wohlk contact lenses, contributing to several early clinical trials of soft contact lenses. In 1984, he relocated the practice to 6 De Walden Street, expanding it further by integrating the patient bases of two pioneering contact lens practices: C. Davis Keeler in 1985 and Anne Silk in 1992.

Andrew has held several prominent professional roles, including President of the Contact Lens Society in 1975 and council member of the British Contact Lens Association. In 1998, he became Chairman of the British Orthokeratology Society and later served as Vice-Chairman of the Ophthalmic Ethics Committee (London) from 2003 to 2004.

Widely recognised as an industry expert, Andrew has lectured extensively at both UK and international conferences, published numerous clinical papers, and is the originator and co-author of The Contact Lens Manual.

In 2023, Andrew merged his long-established practice with Zacks Eye Clinic, marking the culmination of a remarkable career. Although he formally retired in 2024, he remains closely connected to the practice and available for advice.

Optometrists

Jonathan Cohen

BSc (Hons) MCOptom, DipThp (IP), Higher Cert CL, FBCLA IACMM

Director, Specialist Optometrist and Independent Prescriber, Fellowship in Contact Lenses

Jonathan is a fellow of the British Contact Lens Association and member of the College of Optometrists, Association of Optometrists and the International Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Contol. He graduated from Aston University in 1996 with an honours degree in Optometry and was awarded a first for his elective work in cortical function. He completed his clinical training at London’s Moorfields Eye Hospital and the Institute of Optometry and went on to complete higher exams in the fields of paediatric optometry, therapeutics and specialist contact lenses. Jonathan has presented at international conferences, worked as a visiting lecturer in the children’s clinic at City University, taught several post-graduate students in private practice and acted as optometric consultant on film and television productions. He set up a diabetic retinal screening program with a group of South Camden Doctors and was a founder member of the Islington minor eye conditions scheme and the Camden cataract shared care scheme. Jonathan first started working with Andrew Gasson in 2003 and Maurice Zack in 2004. He founded The Kings Cross Eye Clinic in 2006 and assumed control of Zack Contact Lenses in 2007, merging the companies to form Zacks London Eye Clinic. Jonathan has been awarded numerous ‘Optician Awards’ for embracing the latest technology in his clinical work within the practices, though it was additional specialist work in the community, that culminated in the most prestigious award of ‘Optometrist of the Year’ and earned him a seat on the judging panel.

Andrea Kurpjel

BSc (Hons) MCOptom Prof Cert Glauc, Prof Cert LV

Optometrist & Contact Lens Practitioner

Andrea is a member of the College of Optometrists and Association of Optometrists. She graduated from City University in 1998 and went on to take higher qualifications in glaucoma, diabetes, low vision aids, binocular vision and paediatric optometry. Andrea has spent several years working in private practice and also has considerable experience teaching post-graduate and under-graduate students. She is currently lead clinician in the Paediatric clinic at City University and spends the majority of her time teaching there, with two days a week in practice at Zacks.

Andrea Joined Zacks in 2016. She lives in London with her two teenage children and in her spare time she is completing a Masters degree.

Michaela Joseph

BSc(Hons) MCOptom

Optometrist & Contact Lens Practitioner

Michaela is a member of College of Optometrists and Association of Optometrists. She graduated from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) in 1988 with an Honours degree in Optometry and completed her clinical training at Moorfields Eye Hospital and The Institute of Optometry in 1989. After qualifying she spent time as a Research Assistant at the School of Optometry, The University New South Wales, Sydney, Australia as well as working with Vision Aid Overseas in Tanzania and at The F.I.S.H Eye Clinic, Kingston, Jamaica. Recently Michaela became a founder member of the Camden cataract referral scheme. Michaela has worked at the company for over 20 years. She started out at Johnson’s Opticians in 1994 and transferred to Warren Street in 1997 when Johnson’s merged with Zacks. She lives in London with her husband and teenage boys and in her spare time works as a jewellery designer.

Emily Dowse

BSc (Hons) MCOptom DipThp (IP) Higher Cert Glauc

Specialist Optometrist

Emily graduated from City, University of London with a first class honours degree, coming top of her year with awards including the Naylor prize for research excellence and the Cantor & Nissl prize for clinical skills. She completed her training at Moorfields Eye Hospital where she went on to work in low vision, glaucoma and cataract. She has a special interest in glaucoma research, working with Prof Gus Gazzard on the Laser in Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension Treatment Trial (LiGHT) from 2013-2019, then later with Prof Sheng Lim on multiple glaucoma treatment trials including CONCEPT, PEACE and several studies on aqueous dynamics.

Currently she has roles in eye emergency, glaucoma, cataract, corneal graft outcome and ophthalmology research at St Thomas’ hospital and Moorfields Eye Hospital. She is a qualified Independent Prescriber and completed both the Professional and Higher Certificates in glaucoma, and has achieved the OCANZ Competency in Optometry Examination.

In her spare time Emily enjoys watching ballet and opera, and keeps fit and sane with pilates and yoga.

Alison Neoh

BSc (Hons) MCOptom

Optometrist & Contact Lens Practitioner

Alison is a member of College of Optometrists and Association of Optometrists. She graduated from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) in 2018 with an Honours degree in Optometry. After qualifying in 2019, Alison returned to her native Hong Kong and worked for two years alongside ophthalmologists at Hong Kong Comprehensive Eye Hospital, managing post-operative patients. She then joined Polyvision Eyecare Centre, where she specialized in paediatrics, myopia management, orthokeratology, and contact lenses. In 2024, Alison returned to the UK and joined Zack’s team. In her spare time, Alison is pursuing a higher diploma in ocular therapeutics to become an independent prescriber. When she’s not working or studying, she enjoys nature, dancing, travelling, and photography.

Dispensing Team

Neena Joshi

Practice Manager

Neena graduated from City & Islington College with a diploma in Ophthalmic Dispensing and qualified in 1998, becoming a fellow of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians and proceeding to take higher exams in contact lens fitting. After qualifying, Neena worked for three years as branch manager for a large UK multiple before finding her niche managing leading independent practices situated in London’s exclusive Mayfair and Chelsea neighbourhoods. Neena specialises in presbyopic and paediatric dispensing. She has extensive specialist knowledge in the fields of ophthalmic lenses, frames, bespoke eye-wear and glazing.

Neena originally joined Eyes For You Opticians in South Molton Street as a dispensing manager in 2004 and transferred to Zacks Eye Clinic in 2010, when the companies merged. She lives in London with her husband and two teenage boys and in her spare time she likes keeping fit chasing her Great Dane around the park.

Nasibe Uzunoglu

Dispensing Optician

Nas qualified as a Dispensing Optician in 2005 and has managed several independent practices. In 2010, she transitioned to a Locum role to balance professional life with raising a family. Now, as a proud mother of three, Nas’s passion for helping patients achieve the best in eye care and eyewear remains unwavering.

Since 2020, Nas has been a clinical tutor at City University, where she supervises and mentors 3rd-year Optometry students. In addition, she serves as an online facilitator for ABDO, supporting professional development and education within the optics community. In 2023, Nas joined Zack’s team, drawn by her interest in dispensing complex prescriptions and myopia control.

As part of her commitment to promoting eye health, Nas regularly visits local schools to advocate the importance of regular sight tests and myopia management. She particularly enjoys helping patients feel confident in their eyewear and was recently certified as an ‘Eyewear Stylist Expert’.

Outside of work, Nas finds inspiration in nature and the world around her, enjoying photography and long walks in her local area.

Yousef Khalaf

Dispensing Optician

Yousef boasts over 30 years of experience in independent practice. After assisting in the family (Opticians) business for many years, he discovered a passion for bespoke frame design, leading him to pursue a career as a Dispensing Optician, qualifying in 2006.

With a deep technical understanding of frame design, materials, and handmade frame manufacturing, Yousef is at the forefront of industry trends and innovations. He excels in complex dispensing, frame fitting, and glazing. His talent for going the extra mile to assist discerning and diverse clients, combined with a proven ability to work independently, manage teams, and troubleshoot under pressure, distinguishes him in the field.

Tunvira Patel

Optical Dispenser

Tunvira blends strategic thinking, people-focused skills, and a flair for creativity and design. After completing her BSc in Business Management in 2012, she secured a management role at a large multiple practice. It was during this time that she discovered her passion for styling and fashion eyewear, prompting her to pursue additional studies in Optical Dispensing.

In 2021, Tunvira joined Zack’s team to further her professional development. As a key member of the dispensing team, she assists with practice management, clinical screening, and performing specialist dry eye treatments.

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Tunvira delights in exploring art exhibitions, experimenting with innovative recipes in the kitchen, and designing captivating party backdrops. Her passion for creativity and design permeates every aspect of her life, influencing both her work and personal projects.

Delani Counago

Optical Dispenser

Delani hails from Vancouver, Canada, where she began her optical career over 22 years ago. She has acquired extensive optical knowledge and experience working in independent practices in both Canada and the UK, including managing a bustling and well-known practice in Soho. Delani takes great joy in collaborating with patients to find the perfect frame and lens combination to suit their style and visual needs. A self-proclaimed lens geek, she enjoys the technical aspects of her profession. When she’s not at work, Delani can be found traveling or enjoying outdoor activities.

Management Team

Sharon Biddlecombe

Practice Aministrator

Sharon has been in optics for over twenty years. She was originally employed in a suburban practice where she helped start up and run the contact lens department. She then worked with a Harley Street laser clinic for twelve months before joining Andrew Gasson in November 2001. Sharon joined the team at Zacks Eye Clinic in 2023 when the practices merged. Sharon is fully knowledgeable about the various types of contact lenses now available, including complex designs such as bifocal and astigmatic. In addition, she assists with clinical screening and all aspects of our practice management.

Meera Shah

Bookkeeper

Originally from Kenya, Meera relocated to the UK in 1999 to further her education in accountancy. Over the years, she has accumulated extensive experience by working across several accounting practices, refining her expertise in bookkeeping and financial management.

In 2016, Meera made the bold decision to launch her own bookkeeping and accounting business, with Zacks as her very first client. Since then, she has successfully built a diverse clientele, spanning industries such as retail, software, and printing.

Beyond her work, Meera values spending quality time with her family, which includes her husband, son, and their beloved fox-red Labrador. She finds joy in exploring the outdoors and embarking on global travel adventures. Meera’s adventurous spirit extends to her community involvement, where she regularly participates in charity runs, sporting events, and volunteering activities.