Who We Are
Gordon Batham BSc (hons) MCOptom
Gordon Batham graduated from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) in 1982. He then qualified with the British College of Ophthalmic Opticians the following year, after training in Bath and Bristol.
Gordon worked at small practices around Bristol and Bath before joining Boots Opticians, where he was involved in training and continuing education programmes for both qualified and postgraduate students. He became an examiner for the College of Optometrists at Professional qualifying level, for both home and foreign applicants. Mainly examining in Contact lens practice, advanced instrumentation, and binocular vision anomalies (squints), he ended as a senior examiner with responsibilities in examiner standards and exam conformity.
For three years he was seconded to the Department of Optometry at Cardiff University, where he taught third year students general practice and contact lens fitting and introduced the first course in the UK on Professional Awareness Skills.
He is also a member of the British Contact Lens Association and the Cibavision Specialist Club. He has taught contact lens practise at the University of Wales College Cardiff and has completed a course in Dry Eye management at the Vision Care Institute.
Furthermore, Gordon has served as an elected member of the Council of the College of Optometrists and as a distance learning tutor in Light and Vision for the University of Manchester’s Health and Safety Course for Doctors and allied Professionals.
He has written several articles on Contact Lens practice and Ocular Pathology, and wrote about the CE harmonisation requirements for Contact Lenses and allied Solutions. He is also a facilitator for Optometric peer discussion groups.
Rachael Borley BSc (hons) FBDO
Rachael has a background in equine science and gained a Bachelor of Science degree in the subject in 2005 from Hartpury College, University of the West of England.
Rachael started her career in optics in 2005 when she took a position working for Ellis & Killpartrick Opticians in Bath. In 2007, whilst working at Ellis & Killpartrick, Rachael began her training with the ABDO College and gained her qualification as a registered dispensing optician in 2010.
Rachael joined the team at Goatman & Batham in 2011.
In her role as dispensing optician, Rachael will provide you with a personalised consultation, presenting you with the information needed to choose the correct spectacle lenses for your lifestyle and individual requirements.
Julia Batham
Julia began working as a receptionist for a small chain of independent opticians in 1984 before taking a role in the Bath and then Bristol branch of Boots opticians. Following this, Julia progressed to a position as Systems Advisor in the Boots head office and eventually, their training department.
After taking time out for three children, Julia took the opportunity to gain further qualifications in double-entry and computerised book-keeping.
She then returned to the workplace equipped with new skills. Drawing on her experience within optics Julia continues to offer innovative ideas for the progression of the business. Instrumental in the buying process, Julia plays a significant role in ensuring the products at Goatman & Batham reflect the most cutting-edge in British and International fashion, whilst catering for the diverse tastes of our customers.