Meet the team
The Guild is made up of volunteers who give their time to promote iridology and support members.
Chair
M Salim Khan M.D. (M.A.) M.H. D.O
M Salim Khan has practised Unani Tibb, herbal medicine, nutrition, and iridology since 1978. He trained in herbal medicine and osteopathy with the General Council and Register of Consultant Medical Herbalists (now IRCH). He studied iridology and nutrition with Dr Jensen and Farida Sharan.
Salim is also the Principal of the College of Medicine and Healing Arts.
VICE PRESIDENT
John Andrews, MGNI
John is a worldwide-renowned Iridologist and lecturer. One of the most respected experts in iridology worldwide, he is involved in several research initiatives in the UK and internationally. His work is recognised for bridging the gap between natural and orthodox medicine via Iridology.
John is also the Editor of the Advanced Iridology Research Journal and author of over 20 research papers.
GENERAL SECRETARY
Julia Russell, MGNI
Julia Russell is a qualified Herbalist, Iridologist, Reflexologist and Therapeutic Massage Practitioner based in Lancaster. She has been practising since 1993 and previously served for 6 years as a council member at the Association of Master Herbalists.
General Secretary is an administrative role, with most of Julia’s work happening behind the scenes, including arranging management committee and Annual General meetings, organising the elections of officers to the management committee and supporting other officers as required.
She is also the point of contact for the Guild, via post and telephone.
Information Officer
Samantha Downton, NT Dip, MGNI, MNNA
Sam is a nutritional therapist, an iridologist, and a tutor. At the Guild, Sam is the person who responds to emails and handles public and members’ queries.
Sam is also responsible for event booking platforms and will send reminder emails to practitioners that the event is approaching.
REGISTRAR & FINANCES
Abigail Francis, rCHNC, MGNI
Abi is a registered Naturopath, Iridologist, Nutrition advisor, Colon Hydrotherapist & Body Worker. For many years she co-taught Iridology and also trained Naturopathic Colon Hydrotherapists.
While semi-retired, Abi continues to support the GNI and other associations, including the GNC and ARCH. Abi is also a field mycologist, and runs small bespoke herbal medicine, medicinal mushroom and foraging courses.
SECRETARY
Darren Unwin, MGNI
A naturopathic Human & Equine iridologist with lifelong experience in natural health approaches.
Darren studied Modern Iridology under John Andrews, who is recognised around the world for his pioneering scientific research in the field and is passionate about providing clients with holistic health plans that are reliable and achieve results while taking conventional treatment, diet and lifestyle into account.
ACCREDITATION
Janet Spence, MGNI
Janet is a registered naturopathic practitioner. She specialises in Naturopathy, Colonic Hydrotherapy, Iridology, Nutritional advice, Scenar Therapy and Lymph Drainage. She is based in Birmingham.
INFORMATION OFFICER, MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
Olivier Sanchez, ND, NT Dip, MGNC, MGNI, MNNA
Olivier is a registered naturopath, nutritional therapist, iridologist, speaker, and best-selling author. He has trained in NLP and Personal Performance Coaching, specialising in stress and sleep, as well as related gut and metabolic disorders.
He is responsible for the GNI's online presence and for increasing its reach among international practitioners. He designed our new website and helps with marketing and social media content. He is often the presenter and moderator at our online events. As the information officer, together with Sam, he is the person who replies to your emails. Lastly, Olivier sends newsletters and e-blasts to keep members up to date on events and share post-event materials.