Council Associates

Introduced in January 2022, Council Associates take part in our Council meetings and associated activity, and also attend our Audit, Risk and Finance Committee. Whilst they are not voting members, they are encouraged to contribute to discussions.

The Council Associate positions aim to increase the diversity of experiences and perspectives on our Council, while providing registrants with the first step towards a board, committee or panel role.

Our current Council Associates can be seen below:

Rupa Patel

Rupa Patel works as a Specialist Optometrist at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London and as a locum optometrist in community practice. She has experience working in numerous extended role clinics, including consultant-led and optometrist-led glaucoma, medical retina, optometrist-led external disease, consultant-led cataract, complex adult refraction and specialist contact lens fitting.

Rupa gained her optometry degree in 2015 at Aston University before moving into a full-time hospital optometry role at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital on qualification in 2016 until 2021. She found a real passion for the profession whilst working in secondary care and decided to pursue numerous further qualifications and education, including certificates in glaucoma, medical retina and a degree in independent prescribing. She is currently undertaking a Master's degree with University College London (UCL) in Advanced Clinical Practice in Optometry and Ophthalmology.

Desislava Pirkova

Desislava Pirkova earned a degree in International Economics and Trade from Coventry University. Her journey in optometry began with a qualification as a Dispensing Optician from ABDO College in 2021, followed by her current pursuit of an Optometry degree at Aston University. Desislava’s role extends beyond academia; she manages a network of small practices in Birmingham and owns a practice in the Leicester area. This engagement stems from an interest in optometry and lenses, with a specific focus on myopia management.

Community involvement is a cornerstone of Desislava’s approach, organizing low vision clinics, partnering with charities, and collaborating with organizations to elevate eye care awareness. This initiative is reflective of her commitment to contribute positively to the optometry field, underscoring a culture of eye health awareness and enhancing accessibility.

Siddhant Majithia

Siddhant Majithia is an Independent Prescribing Optometrist, Chartered Manager, and Ophthalmic Director working in both community practice and professional education. He leads a busy Specsavers store in Newark, where he supports the delivery of enhanced clinical services and oversees the professional development of a large multidisciplinary team.

Siddhant graduated from the University of Bradford in 2017 and worked in community optometry before becoming a store partner in 2021. He holds Professional Certificates in Glaucoma and Medical Retina and is a qualified Independent Prescriber. He is also a Chartered Manager and has completed ILM Level 2 and 3 qualifications in Leadership and Management, along with a Senior Leader Apprenticeship at Level 7. He is currently undertaking a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on strategic optimisation in the optical sector.

Siddhant has a strong interest in clinical education, regularly facilitating on the Specsavers Pre-Reg Academy programme and assessing for WOPEC. He has supervised multiple pre-registration optometrists and is a member of the College of Optometrists Advisory Panel, contributing to wider conversations around clinical standards, professional development, and workforce strategy.