The optical communities of UK and New Zealand lost a dedicated professional earlier this month with the death of Dianne Morton. She was 43.
Optometrist Niall McCormack writes that in a small space of time she had become a much respected member of the New Zealand Association of Optometrists.
'Dianne emigrated in 2004 to start a new life with her husband Chris and four-year-old son Ryan. It was while unpacking their possessions, Dianne felt a little backache which unfortunately persisted. Scans revealed the return of cancer, a disease Dianne had beaten a couple of years previously.
'Educated in Macclesfield she joined the RAF after leaving school. During her time with the Force she even had a spell as a "listener" in Moscow, a title given to those involved in undercover operations.
'On returning to England Dianne initially qualified as a dispensing optician before embarking on the optometry course. She graduated top of her class from Bradford University in 1997.
'Prior to moving to New Zealand, Dianne had worked for Boots after graduation, followed by Dollond & Aitchison in Wakefield. She was also an active member of her local optical society in West Yorkshire.
When she arrived in New Zealand Dianne worked for OPSM in both Hastings and Napier and quickly gained the respect of her colleagues and patients.
'On a personal note, during the recent New Zealand ocular therapeutic prescribing course, Dianne freely gave her time to help me through the latter stages despite the fact that she was battling with her health. It amazed me that she seemed to know more than I did, even though she hadn't done the course herself.
'She will be greatly missed by those fortunate enough to have met her.'
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