Our LOC committee
The committee is made up of Performers and Contractors and they are elected by our members in the Teesside area. The list below shows details of all the committee members and the positions they hold.
Chair
Julie Breen - Contractor
Julie has been on the committee for approximately 20 years and Chair for Tees LOC for a number of years. She has worked in the past for Multiples but now has her own practice called Intellisight in Redcar. Julie is also our Cataract Services Clinical Lead
Vice Chair
Liz Hearn- Performer
Liz has a vast experience on the Committee, previously holding the position of secretary for a number of years. She works for Specsavers in Stockton.
Treasurer
Emma Roberts - Contractor
Emma joined the committee as Treasurer in 2019. She has two Boots practices in Hartlepool and Newcastle.
Secretary
Iain Mellis - Contractor
Iain has been on the committee since 2013 and has been the Secretary since 2016. He is also the Low Vision Services Clinical Lead. He has two practices called Mellis Eyecare located in Thornaby and North Ormesby.
Web Master
Nick Holfrod - Contractor
Nick has significant experience working in IT. He now run his family's opticians, Cats Eyes in Billingham.
PES Liaison Officer
Nina Hodgkiss
Nina works for Halls Opticians in Eson and Redcar as well as Specsavers in Richmond. She is Tees LOC Primary Eyecare Services Liaison Officer so helps communicate new services etc.
Service Development Officer
Zoe Richmond - Performer
Zoe is an Optometrist and also an experienced member of the LOCSU team having joined in 2011. Zoe has wide hands-on experience supporting high-profile ophthalmology service redesign programmes. She holds postgraduate certificates in Coaching and mentoring, Leadership Skills and Ophthalmic Public Health.
Communications Officer
Andrew Higginson - Contractor
Andrew has recently joined the committee. He is a JVP with Specsavers in Redcar. He is in charge of our social media accounts and email newsletter.