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!

Donna Thompson

Optometrist

Donna is a First-Class Honours Optometry graduate from the University of Ulster, qualifying in 2015. She became a member of the College of Optometrists in 2017 after completing her pre-registration training in Kent.

She has a broad range of clinical experience across independent and multiple practices, with additional qualifications in Community Glaucoma Network (CGN) and Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS) clinics.

Donna has also worked as a Specialist Optometrist at East Kent Hospital Trust, gaining experience in Urgent Eye Services, Glaucoma, and AMD clinics. In 2025, she achieved her Independent Prescribing diploma before returning home.

Outside of work, Donna enjoys family time, gardening, music, and photography.

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.

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, bringing a wealth of administrative experience and a passion for delivering exceptional service. She plays a key role in ensuring the quality of our products, the smooth running of the practice, and the welcoming atmosphere our patients enjoy. As a devoted glasses wearer herself, Wendy loves helping others find frames they truly feel great in. She also has a special interest in sports eyewear — from swimming goggles and cycling glasses to contact lenses.

Our resident admin guru, Wendy is a whizz with documents and spreadsheets and expertly oversees all NHS processing along with a wide range of other administrative duties.

Outside of work, Wendy enjoys heading to the gym, road cycling, and expressing her artistic flair through fabulous arts and crafts.

Elizabeth

Optical Assistant

Elizabeth joined the team in 2022, bringing valuable experience from the medical sector. She especially enjoys meeting patients and ensuring that even our youngest visitors have a positive, enjoyable experience at the optometrist.

Elizabeth is passionate about delivering exceptional care — whether she’s helping someone select the perfect eyewear or offering advice on managing their eye conditions. She is also amazing at merchandising, with a keen eye for creating engaging and beautifully presented displays.

In her spare time, Elizabeth loves reading, hiking, and playing the piano.

Angelina

Optical Assistant

Angelina joined the team in 2024, bringing with her many years of administrative experience and a warm, welcoming approach. She loves greeting patients as they arrive and guiding them through the latest trends in eyewear fashion.

With strong dispensing skills and in-depth knowledge of lenses, she is always happy to help patients find the perfect pair of glasses.

As a glasses wearer herself, Angelina understands the importance of feeling confident in your eyewear.

In her spare time, she enjoys walking, spending quality time with her family, and catching up with friends.

Lynne

Optical Assistant

Lynne is passionate about supporting patients through every stage of their visit — from their very first appointment to collecting their new glasses. As our resident expert in diagnostic testing, she has a special talent for putting people at ease during MYAH scans, OCTs, and visual field tests.

In October 2025, Lynne completed the ABDO Higher Optical Assistant course, further expanding her already impressive knowledge and enabling her to confidently answer a wide range of patient questions.

Outside of work, Lynne enjoys exploring the local countryside on long walks, reading, and keeping active at the gym.