Prominent optometrist and academic Christine Craigie has passed away.
She was clinical supervisor at University of New South Wales School of Optometry and Vision Sciences (UNSW SOVS), and the practice owner of Christine Craigie Optometrists in Gordon, on Sydney’s upper north shore.
A passionate and tireless supporter of the optometry profession and the UNSW School of Optometry, Ms Craigie donated equipment and was instrumental in initiating opportunities for student learning
Christine Craigie
Ms Craigie made a significant contribution to the eye health of people in the community, operating her successful Gordon practice for over 24 years.
Donna Enderby, her practice office manager for almost 11 years, said Ms Craigie’s mission was “to provide exceptional eye care through a team of people who are dedicated to offering a professional and ethical service to all”.
“Christine had many long-term and loyal patients, both local and from across the globe – as far away as Papua New Guinea, Hong Kong and England.
Patients have said that they are ‘heartbroken at the loss of a beautiful soul’,” Ms Enderby said.
“Christine always gave every patient enough time and they felt that she was ‘part of their family’… Christine had seen the grandparents, parents, and children of some families. It was intergenerational. They relied on her as an exceptional optometrist and cherished her for her warmth and bright personality, and her generous and caring way.
“She was held in high regard by all her patients.”
The youngest of five girls in a close family, Ms Craigie “upheld the highest standards in her work and social life”, working long hours to serve the community and various boards she was involved with.
“She dedicated her life to optometry, her practice, family, and friends… The staff here at Christine’s practice are devastated and will remember her for her strong leadership, her brilliant mind, her beautiful smile, her wit and wisdom, her zest for life, her passion for optometry and her dedication to her profession. She generously mentored many through her optometry practice and the University of NSW,” Ms Enderby said.
“A life well lived and generously shared. Like so much of her life Christine bravely faced her final challenge. Her illness was met with such courage and great integrity. She will be sorely missed. Rest in Peace our dear friend.”
Tireless Supporter of Optometry
An alumni of UNSW, Ms Craigie graduated as an optometrist in the UNSW class of 1980 and began clinical supervision in the UNSW teaching clinic in 1988.
In a statement published by UNSW School of Optometry and Vision Science (SOVS), Ms Craigie was credited for her “significant contributions” to teaching and tutoring on contact lenses.
“She was an incredibly popular supervisor, highly rated by students, loved by patients, and was a valued and enthusiastic member of the visiting academic staff,” UNSW wrote.
Ms Craigie was board certified in the Treatment and Management of Ocular Disease and completed the Graduate Certificate in Ocular Therapeutics at UNSW in 1991. She was a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry.
A passionate and tireless supporter of the optometry profession and the UNSW School of Optometry, Ms Craigie donated equipment and was instrumental in initiating opportunities for student learning.
She was involved in a working group with Brien Holden to improve clinical teaching in the early 1990s, served on the UNSW advisory board, and spearheaded legislative changes in therapeutic prescribing.
She helped UNSW establish a relationship with the late Micheal Knipe, initiating the Hobart Hospital Eye Clinic experience, and supporting the School with funding for therapeutics training.
Most recently Ms Craigie donated a fundus camera to UNSW SOVS for use in Stewart House satellite clinic.
“These contributions are extra-ordinary and will be long remembered,” UNSW wrote.
