We believe that it is always nice to know who you are dealing with, their experience and specialities – and to just put a face to the name!
Edward Farrant – BSc MCOptom Dip Glauc Dip TP IP
Mr Farrant graduated from Cardiff University. He is one of only a small number of experts in the country to be a qualified prescribing optometrist, diagnosing and treating eye disease. Edward is a dynamic optometrist with a broad range of specialist skills that extend to treating glaucoma and a wide range of eye diseases. He particularly enjoys working with contact lenses, and runs specialist clinics within the practice. He runs the only myopia (short sight) treatment clinic in the area, helping to actually stop short sight from getting worse in children. He also works in clinics in Bristol Eye Hospital, Musgrove Park Hospital and Weston General. He strongly believes in providing a friendly environment where his patients receive the best level of advice and care possible. He enjoys cycling, skiing and water-sports.
Sarah Farrant – BSc MCOptom Dip TP IP FBCLA
Mrs Sarah Farrant graduated from Cardiff University where she met her husband Edward Farrant.
Sarah has a great passion for her work. This is reflected in the wide variety of different interests she has within the profession. At its heart is her drive to continually push Earlam and Christopher forward with the latest technology and specialist clinics. She has undertaken a number of additional qualifications and is a leading national expert in therapeutics and dry eye management and represents the UK as an Ambassador for the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society (TFOS).
She previously sat on the council for the national College of Optometrists for 12 years, is currently on the Executive board of the British Contact Lens Association and is chair of the Somerset Local Optical Committee. She has been instrumental in a number of local and national initiatives in order to improve access education amongst the profession and access to eye care for patients, including setting up the successful Somerset ACES eye scheme. She is also a keen lecturer and regularly teaches other optometrists across the country.
Andrew Avery – BSc MCOptom
Andrew joined the Earlam and Christopher team in 2022. Originally from Northern Ireland, Andrew studied Optometry at Cardiff University and graduated in 2014. He has now made Taunton his home and has a range of experience in Optometry, working for both independent and multiple Opticians in the past. Andrew is keen to provide his patients the best possible eye care in a relaxed environment. He is currently expanding his clinical skills by undertaking the Independent Prescribing Qualification. Outside of work Andrew is a keen golfer and also member of Taunton Athletics Club.
Nicole Avery – Optometrist BSc (Hons)
Madeline Yandell - Optometrist BSc (Hons)
Madeline graduated from Plymouth University with a BSc (Hons) degree in Optometry in 2021. Madeline joined Earlam and Christopher in 2024 after gaining experience in many aspects of Optometry. She is currently working towards completing her certificate in medical retina. She is keen to provide the best possible care for her patients by addressing their worries and concerns in a relaxed and safe environment. Outside of work Madeline enjoys going to the theatre and playing in a steel band.
David Lamb – Practice Manager for Taunton & Langport
David started his career in the optics world in 1985 at an independent optician in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. When he moved to the UK, he worked as a practice manager in a large multiple practice, but soon wanted to rejoin the independent sector, so started working here at Earlam and Christopher in 2005. He completed the Ophthalmic Dispensing course several years ago. During his career, he has been heavily involved in the manufacturing and design processes involved in spectacle production, which has included lens manufacture, frame sourcing and frame production processes and specialist frame repairs. These special interests have not only given him excellent skills and knowledge, but have also allowed him to travel all over the world, gaining valuable experience from different countries. Out of work, his interests include fishing, most sports and having fun with his family.
Kerry Holmes – FBDO
Kerry graduated in 1991 from Bradford & Ilkley College, Yorkshire as a qualified Dispensing Optician. She completed her pre registration year at Earlam and Christopher and continued her career here because she recognised the importance that a qualified Dispensing Optician can bring to an independent practice, to the patients and to the local community. She is a member of ABDO and the GOC which means that she is always striving to promote the standards within the industry. Kerry regularly attends exhibitions, conferences, and regional seminars to keep up to date with new developments, technologies and products within the optical industry enabling her to offer these benefits to our patients. She has a particular interest in paediatric dispensing and also interpreting complex or challenging prescriptions to provide optimum comfort in the eyewear she dispenses. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her young family, going to the theatre and socialising with friends.
Abby Ridgeway – Dispensing Optician
Abby started her career in optics in 2007 and qualified as a Dispensing Optician in 2014, through the Anglia Ruskin University.
She has a flair for fashion and styling, and is passionate about accurate frame fitting. She specialises in Paediatric Dispensing.
In her spare time Abby enjoys walking, horse riding and playing the violin.
Helen Yard – Dispensing Assistant
Helen joined Earlam and Christopher in 2017 having previously worked in a large multiple practice for 16 years. It was during this time that Helen studied at Anglia University on a distance learning course achieving 3 diplomas, covering ophthalmic clinical and ophthalmic dispensing qualifications.
Joining Earlam and Christopher has allowed Helen to continue to provide a high quality service with Helen priding herself as someone who takes the time to get to know her patients needs and requirements.
Outside of work Helen enjoys a range of activities including sewing, skittles and spending time with her family.
Selina Risebrow – Audiologist & Hearing Aid Consultant
Selina started her career in Audiology working as a receptionist for a large private hearing care company. Shortly after joining them, she was offered the opportunity to train as a Hearing Care Assistant. Over the next five years, Selina gained clinical experience undertaking testing of patients’ hearing, along with repairs and servicing of hearing aids. She was then offered the opportunity to undertake the Foundation Degree in Hearing Aid Audiology at De Montfort University in Leicester. After completing her degree, she successfully managed her own clinic for four years.
In 2020, Selina felt that she needed a new challenge and joined The Hearing Care Partnership.
Outside of work Selina enjoys music, travelling and reading.
Sally Crane – Admin Team Manager
Julia Irish – Reception Team
Sarah Cunningham – Administrator
