Meet the team
The Guild is made up of volunteers who give their time to promote iridology and support members.
President
M Salim Khan M.D. (M.A.) M.H. D.O. FGNI
Salim has practised Tibb: Whole-Person Healthcare & Medicine since 1978. His introduction to Iridology came in 1978 through David Chapman, inspiring him to pursue formal studies in both Iridology and Herbal Medicine with Farida Sharan in Cambridge, England.
In September 1996, he earned a Diploma in Iridology and the Master Herbalist qualification from the School of Iridology and Wholistic Healing in Cambridge, where he later served as a clinical tutor.
In May 1982, he received a Certificate of Merit from Dr. Bernard Jensen, the father of American Iridology. He was further honoured in August 1997 with a fellowship from the Guild of Naturopathic Iridologists (GNI).
At the Annual International Symposium of Iridology in London in November 1998, he founded the School of Iris Synthesis®, an approach that integrates oriental traditions, particularly Unani Tibb, with Iridology to form a holistic and energetic paradigm of healthcare.
VICE PRESIDENT
John Andrews, FGNI
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.
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.
REGISTRAR & TREASURER
Abigail Francis, ND, rCHNC, MGNI, MARCH, MGNC
Abi is a registered Naturopath, Herbalist, 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.
EDUCATION & ACCREDITATION
Janet Spence, FGNI
Janet is a registered Naturopath and Fellow and Founder member of the GNI, having served on the committee since its inception in 1993.
Her interest in iridology evolved in the 1970’s and 80’s, and she went on to study at The British and European School of Iridology, where she qualified and received her diploma in 1992.
Janet specialises in Naturopathy, Iridology, Nutritional Advice and Colonic Hydrotherapy. She has clinics in Warwick and the West Midlands
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.
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.