Lauren graduated with Honours in Optometry from the University of New South Wales in 2014. She finished her preceptorship at the Australian College of Optometry and worked as a private practitioner at Vision Splendid (Tim Duffy Optometrist) at the Gunnedah practice throughout her studies.

Lauren has a keen interest in eye disease management, Ortho-K, and children’s vision. In 2020 she obtained a high distinction in the Advanced Certificate in Glaucoma through the Australian College of Optometry. Lauren has a therapeutics qualification and as such is able to prescribe medications to treat anterior eye diseases, infections and injuries. She works together with ophthalmologists to co-manage glaucoma and other diseases. She has also implemented behavioural optometry programs in line with ACBO (Australian College of Behavioural Optometry) recommendations.

Lauren is passionate about rural eye care both within Australia and internationally. She continues to work with Healthwise in Gunnedah to provide eye care to our local Aboriginal community, has worked for the Aboriginal Medical Service in Walgett and Collarenebri, and volunteered as a member of VOSH delivering eyecare to the remote villages in Romania in 2015. Outside of work, Lauren can be found spending time with family and friends, and running after her little boy with her husband Colt.