MEET THE TEAM

Dispensing Optician and Director

James Taylor-Short FBDO FDSc

James was one of the founding members of A&J Opticians. He qualified as a Dispensing Optician in 2008. Before qualifying James worked at various multiple optical practices but soon realised that his passion for fashionable and innovative eyewear was not being met by the restrictions that were being placed on him. He wanted to expand his portfolio of designs and so joined the independent sector where he was able to thrive. He has designed eyewear ranges (Taylor made) and is able to design and make a pair of glasses for you from scratch.

James loves to surf, spend time outside with his family on their canal boat and tries to live life to the full everyday!

KYM BALCLOMB

OPTOMETRIST

“I have more than 20 yrs of Optical experience gained working in the UK, Australia, Zimbabwe, South Africa and New Zealand. I have worked as a Hospital Optometrist for the Royal Devon and Exeter hospital and North Devon district hospital . I have further qualifications in Glaucoma, medical Retina and Paediatrics. I have a passion for myopia control in children. My experience initially gained while working in Australia back in 2018. North Devon has been home since 2009. In my spare time, I enjoy my water sports, Pilates, running and my dogs."

JESS COLLYER FBDO

DISPENSING OPTICIAN

"I studied at the ABDO college (Association of British Dispensing Opticians) in 2011 whist working for a multiple opticians. This allowed me to graduate and practice as a Dispensing Optician. Having worked for large companies for the whole of my career I wanted to develop my skills further and be able to offer patients the best possible service and products the industry has to offer. After returning from maternity leave in 2021 the opportunity arose to join the team at A&J Opticians. Since then I have loved working at the cutting edge of technology and the challenges this bring to my role."