AN EYE doctor from Friern Barnet has expressed her surprise and delight after being named Professional of the Year at the Asian Women of Achievement Awards.

Optometrist Dr Zahra Jessa, 28, of Hemington Avenue, was recognised with the award at a glamorous ceremony held at the London Hilton Hotel, last month. She only initially filled in the application form because her friends and family kept urging her to.

She said: "I didn't think anything would come of it. I only applied to stop my friends and family hassling me."

Zahra did not think she had any chance of winning and has praised all the women that were present at the ceremony. She said: "I didn't expect to win so it's absolutely great. To be surrounded by so many strong, confident women was really exciting. It was inspiring to see so many Asian women making great contributions to British society."

She divides her time between her hospital practice at Moorfields Eye Hospital, research work in Cambridge, and her community practice. She also helps her parents care for her two older sisters, who both suffer from severe learning disabilities and require 24-hour care.

Speaking after the awards ceremony, Zahra said she has dedicated her award to her parents. She said: "The award isn't just for me. It is for my parents to acknowledge them for raising me and to thank them for everything they have done."