Top of the class

Independent optometrist Gillian Bruce has completed a Masters of Science (MSc) in primary care ophthalmology.

The clinical lead optometrist at Cameron Optometry in Edinburgh received a distinction for her work and was awarded the David Brewster Medal for being the top performing student in her year.

Ms Bruce will be presented with the medal at a ceremony at the Royal College of Surgeons in the Scottish capital early next year.

The MSc course is run by the University of Edinburgh and is taught online. It comprised of online lectures, tutorials and discussion boards with fellow students, meaning Ms Bruce had the opportunity to interact and learn from optometrists globally.

The three-year course relates to what optometrists can do in the community to manage eye conditions that have been traditionally treated in the community.

For her dissertation, Ms Bruce focused on glaucoma and the barriers that optometrists face when managing the condition in the community. Many of the findings from her paper have been implemented by Cameron Optometry for the benefit of its patients.