Fiona’s passion for optics was borne as an 11-year-old astigmatic myope – on receiving her first spectacles her life was transformed & this passion has enthused her throughout her career to bring better sight to her patients & information & education to her colleagues. 

Fiona graduated from Glasgow Caledonian University in 1985 & achieved one of only two “With Commendation” awards. 

After spending her Pre-registration year with an independent group in the north east of Scotland, she remained with them for 25 years & held various roles within the organisation:  initially she was a Practice Manager, then an Area Manager & on leaving the group their Training Manager. Fiona studied for and gained a Bachelors degree in Business Administration in 2003 whilst working full time as an area manager within the group, then later gained a qualification in Refraction in 2009 as she examines in this discipline overseas. She also achieved the industry “Gold Standard” SMC(Tech) qualification in spectacle manufacturing in 2012.

After 2 very rewarding years as a locum, Fiona joined Ythan Opticians, in June 2012 as Retail & Dispensing Director. The practice is in the commuter town of Ellon, north of Aberdeen in Scotland. Her role there sees her responsible for all aspects of dispensing, including a sizeable paediatric clinic and complex dispensing service.

Fiona’s main interests in practice are spectacle lenses, quality dispensing, paediatrics & customer service. In addition to her time in practice Fiona is a practical examiner for ABDO; a role she has been involved with for many years, and writes and delivers continuing education & training (CET) and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for ABDO both in the UK & abroad & for the NHS in Scotland. She has also presented at EAOO and at the inaugural Silmo Academy by IOA in Prague.   

Fiona’s career has not just been in practice. She is actively involved with her professional body firstly as an Area representative, and as an examiner & CET/CPD author & presenter.  She has served as a Board Member of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO)for 10 years from 2010 and was President from 2016-2018. She is also President of the International Opticians Association having been elected in 2016 for a two year term & re-elected to serve a further 2 years in this role until 2020. This has further been extended due to the Global Covid Pandemic & Fiona hopes to handover the Presidency in April 2023.

Professional Positions held: President International Opticians Association, ABDO Past President, Optical Confederation Chairman, Optometry Scotland Member, Grampian AOC Member, EAOO Executive Board of Trustees: (Treasurer), ECOO European Qualifications Board Member, Senior Court Assistant: Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers, Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers Liveryman & Fellow of the European Academy of Optometry & Optics.