As a country girl and farmer’s daughter it’s no surprise I adore the outdoors and am naturally curious, which radiates into many aspects of my life. I like to travel to experience different lifestyles and traditions. I also like to try new things that continue to challenge me; I have recently joined a local Crossfit Gym in Dublin, a completely different type of exercise to what I was used to.

 

I was born in Dublin but grew up in Co. Kerry. On completing my Leaving Certificate I attended DIT Kevin Street studying Optometry. I qualified with a 1.1 in 2011.

In my time at DIT I got the opportunity to travel to Mozambique with The Mozambique Eyecare Project, to carry out school screenings in the local primary schools.

In my final year I was awarded “The Kevin Culliton Memorial Award” for academic excellence.

 

In 2012 I joined friends in Bristol to work full-time for Specsavers.

In April 2014 I became a locum Optometrist. Being self-employed allowed me to work with different companies broadening my knowledge of Optometry in practice, in particular the area of refractive surgery. I enjoyed working with Optimax as I found the work new, challenging and rewarding.

 

Being a Teacher’s daughter, education was always a priority in our house. Recently I returned to Dublin to begin a PhD; Demodex Blepharitis and the effectivity of new treatment techniques in killing the ocular parasites. It is my hope to pursue a career in research and academia following the successful completion of my PhD.