Our Team

Faith Donaldson

Optometrist and Practice Owner

Faith graduated from the University of Ulster in 2002 obtaining First Class Honours BSc. Optometry, becoming a member of the College of Optometrists shortly after.

With a wealth of experience working in hospital settings including the Royal Victoria Hospital Contact Lens Clinic, Low Vision Clinic and Paediatric Refraction Clinic as well as roles in both independent and multiple sectors, in 2006 Faith established “Faith Donaldson Optometrists” in her home town of Kilkeel.

An avid learner, Faith continued to further her knowledge gaining a Professional Certificate in Glaucoma and a Diploma in Independent Prescribing, she provides Ocular Hypertension (OHT) Review and Monitoring as part of the NI Glaucoma Care Pathway. She takes a forward seat in Optometry development in Northern Ireland currently serving as an NIOS (Northern Ireland Optometric Society) Committee Member, having previously served as President of the NIOS. Faith sits on the BSO Regional Professional Panel (RPP) representing Association of Optometrists and is also one of the College of Optometrists Peer Review Facilitators.

Faith has special interests in Myopia Management contact lenses, Colorimetry and Visual stress management and Dry Eye Management. Ever wanting to benefit our patients, she has a keen interest in the latest technologies and equipment.

In her spare time Faith enjoys hiking in the Mournes and across the UK and Ireland, especially now that her 2 children have got the “hiking bug”! Otherwise you may find her sailing along in a Canadian Canoe!

Louise Forsythe

Optometrist

Louise graduated from the University of Ulster in 2006 obtaining BSc. Optometry. She undertook her pre-registration training in a Stirling Royal Infirmary Hospital, obtaining membership of the College of Optometrists in 2007. Louise has worked in a large range of practices both independent and multiple, before beginning work with Faith Donaldson Optometrists in 2014. In 2016 Louise completed the Primary Certificate in Glaucoma from University Ulster and is accredited to provide LES II (Local Enhanced Services) for Glaucoma and NI PEARS (Northern Ireland Primary Acute Referral Scheme). Louise has special interests in paediatric eye care, sports vision and multifocal contact lens fitting.  In her spare time Louise enjoys mountain walking and crochet.

Geraldine Devine

Locum Optometrist

Geraldine graduated from University of Ulster with BSc(Hons) Optometry in 2014. She undertook her pre-registration position in Derry/Londonderry obtaining Membership of the College of Optometrists in 2015. Geraldine then relocated to Bristol where she practised for five years gaining a wealth of clinical experience. Geraldine completed her Professional Certificate in Glaucoma in 2017 through University of Ulster and is accredited to provide the local enhanced service in glaucoma (LES II) as well as the OHT Review & Monitoring Scheme. She is also accredited in Minor Eye Care Services (MECS) allowing her to provide the NIPEARS (Northern Ireland Primary Acute Referral Scheme). Geraldine moved back to Northern Ireland in December 2020 and began working with Faith Donaldson Optometrists in August 2022. With a keen interest in ocular health, Geraldine’s next goal is to complete her Independent Prescribing Diploma. In her free time Geraldine loves spending time with her family and friends, snuggling up with a coffee and good book or spending time outdoors walking in our beautiful countryside!

Stacey

Practice Supervisor

Stacey joined the Faith Donaldson team in 2018. With a longstanding interest in optics and a desire for learning, she soon began studying for her ABDO Higher Optical Assistant Diploma. As supervisor Stacey is responsible for overseeing patient journeys and supporting our team. She is always happy to answer any questions and provide advice. With a keen eye for style Stacey enjoys choosing frames and sunglasses from our suppliers, ensuring that Faith Donaldson Optometrists’ stocks an unrivalled range.

Stacey has an interest in contact lenses and advises our patients on the wear of their contact lenses and our contact lens DD care scheme. When not at work Stacey enjoys walking and baking.

Elaine

Accounts & Optical Assistant

Elaine has been an integral part of the Faith Donaldson Optometrist’s Team since the practice opening in 2006. With years of experience Elaine enjoys helping patients select the perfect frame for their personality and lifestyle. A talented baker in her spare time, the Faith Donaldson Team are only too happy to taste test her latest creations.

Emma

Optical Assistant

Emma joined the practice in early 2021 having previously worked in the medical sector. Emma is responsible for managing and processing all NHS forms. She particularly enjoys selecting and fitting children’s frames, helping our youngest patients feel at ease. Since wearing glasses and contact lenses from a young age, Emma is passionate about teaching others about contact lenses wear too. To expand her learning, in 2022, Emma completed her ABDO Optical Assistant certificate with excellence! In her spare time Emma enjoys walking, baking and playing the piano.

Sarah Jane

Optical Assistant

Sarah Jane joined the Faith Donaldson Team in 2021. Customer service is extremely important for Sarah Jane and she ensures that all patients have their queries answered efficiently whether they are booking an appointment or needing advice on choosing glasses or contact lenses. Sarah Jane enjoys ensuring the practice is always looking its best with her continued learning in product merchandising. When not at work, Sarah Jane enjoys hiking in the Mournes and having quality family time with her 2 children.

Wendy

Optical Assistant

Wendy joined the Faith Donaldson Team in 2021. With a wealth of experience in administration, Wendy ensures the quality of our products and service, and the smooth running of our practice. Wendy always enjoys meeting and welcoming patients to the practice, and as a passionate glasses wearer she loves helping others find the perfect frame that they love. She has a special interest in sports eyewear from swimming googles, cycling glasses to contact lenses. At home, Wendy enjoys heading to the gym, road cycling and exercising her artistic flare with fabulous arts and craft.

Alex

Optical Assistant

Alex joined the Faith Donaldson team in 2022. With a degree in Business and Information Technology, and a working background in administration and customer service Alex brings many key qualities for customer care. She enjoys engaging with patients and discussing the benefits of different optical solutions from varifocals, work station lenses to contact lenses and sports eyewear. Alex is also responsible for managing and processing NHS forms.
When not in work she enjoys spending time with family, baking and going on walks.

Elizabeth

Optical Assistant

Elizabeth joined the team in 2022 having previous experience in the medical sector. She particularly enjoys meeting patients and making sure even our youngest enjoy their visit to the optometrist. Elizabeth is passionate about caring, whether that’s helping someone choose the right eyewear, or advising them how to best manage their eye conditions. In her spare time Elizabeth enjoys reading, hiking and playing the piano.