The founders of Specsavers have presented Fiona O’Donnell, an Optometrist for Specsavers in Drogheda and Finglas, with a medal in recognition of her dedication to optometry care. 

Fiona is one of 14 colleagues from across the UK and the Republic of Ireland to receive a Doug and Dame Mary medal for clinical excellence and outstanding customer care. Recipients also received €1,000 in prize money.  

Nominated by her colleagues for outstanding efforts in optometry care, Fiona is renowned for her excellent interpersonal skills and her infectious enthusiasm which infiltrates the entire team. Fiona has over 20 years’ experience working as an Optometrist. She takes immense pride in solving problems and finding new ways to improve the service for customers.  

Fiona is often praised by her colleagues and customers. One example of her dedication to her job is her willingness to attend school events and encourage careers in optometry as well as attending retirement activity groups to educate the older population about the importance of good eye health.

Fiona also mentors a Pre-registration Optometrist every year, leads training sessions to both optometrists and retail colleagues and operates to the highest clinical standards and always pushes her team to do the same. 

Fiona was nominated by Mr Kerril Hickey, Chairman of Specsavers Ireland. Kerril says ‘Fiona is hugely influential and always exceeds expectations. She is a highly motivated Optometrist who successfully leads two optometry teams and always puts the patient first. She also gives up her spare time to support the work we do with TU Dublin and has excellent relationships with staff and students. To be recognised on a national level is incredibly special. We are all extremely proud of her.’  

Specsavers founder Doug Perkins says: ‘These awards celebrate and recognise colleagues' professionalism, and passion, in the areas of clinical and customer care. The winners are outstanding, and all go above and beyond to deliver exceptional clinical customer care.’ 

On receiving the award Fiona said: ‘I’m so grateful to my colleagues for nominating me, the whole team works incredibly hard supporting our customers and each other.’ 

For more information about the optometry services provided by Specsavers Drogheda, visit www.specsavers.ie/stores/drogheda