Our Staff

Our Staff 2021-01-06T01:16:29+00:00

Specialist Optometrists

Dipesh Chhatralia
Dipesh Chhatralia BSc (Hons) MCOptom MBCLA
Dipesh graduated from Cardiff University in 2001 with a First Class honours degree before undertaking his professional training at the Oxford Eye Hospital, the Institute of Optometry in London and primary care community practice.

After qualifying as an optometrist, he continued to work at the Oxford Eye Hospital where he was involved in many specialist clinics including eye accident and emergency, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, specialist contact lenses, low vision and paediatrics. Dipesh has additionally completed further training in glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and ocular therapeutics.

With a special interest in contact lenses, he has over 15 years’ experience supporting patients with keratoconus, post corneal graft and post laser refractive surgery complications. He sees people from around the country and abroad who have sought his advice on improving their vision, with medical eye conditions varying from refractive problems like short- to long-sightedness and presbyopia.

Accredited by Moorfields consultants, Dipesh is involved in a pioneering glaucoma and ocular hypertension service in Harrow, frequently having patients referred to his care by fellow professionals. He is a member of Harrow & Hillingdon Local Optometric Committees and is committed to actively improving eyecare in the local community.

Sachin Patel
Sachin Patel BSc (Hons) MCOptom
Sachin graduated from Aston University in Birmingham in 2001 and undertook his professional training collectively at Hillingdon Eye Hospital, the Institute of Optometry in London and through a professional independent practice.

Since qualifying, he has continued to work in independent practices, where he has developed specialist interests in contact lenses, sports vision and low vision. Sachin has also pursued further certified courses in diabetic retinopathy, referral refinement and is currently advancing his ocular therapeutics training.

Sachin has been a senior optometrist at Parker & Hammond since 2003, where he has been able to establish strong relationships not only with patients but also local GPs and eye specialists. He is accredited by Moorfields Eye Hospital consultants and is involved in a pioneering glaucoma and ocular hypertension service, where he examines patients referred by other opticians in the local area.

As a specialist optometrist Sachin has patients who consult him from the local community, around the UK and overseas. He is member of Harrow & Hillingdon Local Optometric Committees and is actively involved in improving the eye care of local citizens.

Yashita Shah
Yashita Shah BSc (Hons) PGDipOphth
Yashita graduated from City University in 2004 and undertook her professional training through Central Middlesex Hospital, the Institute of Optometry and in multiple high street practices.

She completed a postgraduate diploma in ophthalmology after qualifying and subsequently worked for several years in community clinics, where she examined patients referred by local opticians and GPs. Yashita has additionally trained final year undergraduate optometry students at City University.

With many years of optometric experience, Yashita has truly established herself within Parker & Hammond and is a much-valued member of the team. She thoroughly enjoys working in independent practice as it allows her to deliver high-quality expert eyecare in a calm, professional and patient-focused environment.

Devan Chhaya
Devan ChhayaBSc (Hons) MCOptom
Devan graduated from Anglia Ruskin University in 2015 and undertook his professional training in high street practice. Since qualifying, he has completed a professional certificate in medical retina and glaucoma with Moorfields Eye Hospital and UCL. He works part time at Frimley Park Hospital where he works with consultant ophthalmologists in macula and cataract clinics whilst also participating in research clinics. He is currently undertaking a higher certificate course in medical retina with Moorfields and UCL.

In 2018 and 2019, he was part of a team that volunteered in Ethiopia and Zambia as part of an outreach and teaching programme where he conducted eye examinations, dispensed spectacles and taught ophthalmic nursing students practical eye examination techniques.

Anita Shah BSc (Hons) MCOptom
Anita graduated from Aston University in Birmingham in 1982, before undertaking her professional training at the London Refraction Hospital (now the Institute of Optometry) and Guy’s Hospital.

Since joining Parker & Hammond in 2001, Anita has completed further training in contact lenses, ocular disease and refractive management. She values being a part of the Parker & Hammond team and helping to provide first class clinical care in a relaxed yet professional environment.

Dispensing Opticians

Linda began her optics career in 1985, working at Dollond & Aitchinson before qualifying as a dispensing optician in 1988. Since joining Parker & Hammond in 1995, Linda has been proud to work at a professional practice where the best patient care is paramount. Being part of a hard-working team is important to her, and she greatly values the relaxed family atmosphere that the practice offers.

Vanessa has worked at Parker and Hammond since 1988, where she trained as a dispensing optician and qualified in 1992. With many years of dispensing experience, Vanessa is proud to be part of the original Parker & Hammond family, as the daughter-in-law of the late Susan Hammond. She values that after so many years, the practice continues to offer unrivalled quality eyecare to the community, in the thoughtful manner that the founding family always intended.

Priti joined Parker & Hammond Opticians in 2001 and has been a dispenser for over 16 years. During her career, she has successfully managed a number of high profile practices, including opticians within Harrods and Selfridges. In 1998, Priti managed ‘The UK Contact Lens Practice of the Year’, and she was also invited to adjust Tony Blair’s first pair of glasses on television. She is actively involved in ensuring Parker & Hammond is up to date with the latest eyewear fashions and enjoys providing the best care to our patients in a friendly, professional environment.

Dipa qualified as an orthoptist in 1985, before going on to work at Moorfields and St. Thomas’s hospitals. She specialised in paediatric and adult eyecare, which involved managing binocular vision problems such as squints and lazy eyes. Committed to her professional development, Dipa continued her training and qualified as a dispensing optician in 1990, joining Parker & Hammond in 2001.

Optical Assistants

Libby became part of the Parker & Hammond team in 2008, after working for many years in film, television and theatre as a puppeteer. Achieving a Level 2 Certificate in Optical Practice Assistance in 2010, she has also recently qualified as a Diabetic Screening Photographer and assists GPs with the clinics they run in the local area. Libby enjoys meeting our patients and excels in taking care of their every need.

Kirsty started working as an optical assistant at Parker & Hammond in June 2015. With past experience in public-facing roles, she has an outstanding ability to make our patients feel welcome and comfortable. Having developed a keen interest in optics since working at the practice, her drive to learn led Kirsty to recently complete her Level 2 Certificate in Optical Support.

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IN FOCUS

The Optomap is the only test that captures more than 80% of your retina in one panoramic image. The unique optomap ultra-wide view helps detect early signs of retinal disease more effectively and efficiently than with traditional eye examination alone. The test is fast and pain-free and nothing touches your eye.

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OPENING HOURS

Monday – Friday 9:00 – 5:30
Saturday 9:00 – 4:00
Sunday Closed

LOCATION

Harrow Practice

Northwood Practice

NEWS

Discover the latest from Parker & Hammond and see what’s new in the world of vision and eye care

Testimonials

‘My family have been attending Parker & Hammond for several years.
We all have differing needs but all receive an excellent, caring,
thorough service that is never rushed.’

'Each and every member of staff treats me with the utmost courtesy and patience.
The kind of service offered at Parker & Hammond is truly professional yet personal
and friendly – I would highly recommend them.'

‘Thanks to the expertise of the team at Parker & Hammond,
I finally feel that after 30 years of struggling with various lenses,
my keratoconus is finally, at long last, a problem solved.’

‘The quality of care and advice I have received has been first class and I would
have no hesitation in recommending the practice.’

‘From the moment I stepped into the shop I was given first class service,
made to feel valued and had the most thorough eye test I’ve had to date.
Dipesh provided valuable explanations and information as he carried out the test,
and I purchased a pair of Lindberg glasses, with which I am very pleased.’

‘Finding a good opticians who you can trust and who understands your eye needs isn’t easy,
and I would recommend them to anyone – particularly those with keratoconus.’

‘I have been wearing glasses for over 15 years and have been to many opticians in the past,
but Parker & Hammond have by far been the best. Their staff are excellent and they give
me honest, sound advice which I have always trusted. The eye test is very thorough
and the optometrists do their best to make you feel relaxed and comfortable.’

‘I would highly recommend Parker & Hammond – professional, courteous and friendly,
from everyone who I come into contact with during my visits.’

‘The opticians here are really friendly and patient, they take the time to answer my questions,
give useful advice and – unlike other places I’ve been to in the past – the costs are fully explained.’

‘The service I receive whenever I come into this shop is outstanding.
I would and do recommend to all who will listen!’

‘Although the road to keratoconus solutions is sometimes trying, you know you have
a specialist here who will truly work tirelessly to find one.’

‘My family have been customers here for many years, brought back every time by impeccable
customer service, attention and professionalism. All staff are welcoming and have a full
understanding of the products, with information given throughout the spectacle purchase.’

‘For the past ten years Parker & Hammond have been my opticians of choice, from the warmth and efficiency met with at reception
to the unstinting care and detail at the eye test stage. In assistance with frame choice and dedication to guaranteeing comfort with your spectacles,
Parker & Hammond have proved themselves to be the best I have encountered. Add that to superb aftercare and you have the recipe for satisfaction
and perfect confidence that your eyecare could not have been in better hands. I have recommended them in the past and will continue to do so – wholeheartedly.’

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

To book an appointment with one of our eye care specialists at our Harrow or Northwood practices,
simply get in touch or use our online booking service.

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