Bernadette is a Noosa Shire local. She graduated from QUT with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Optometry) with First Class Honours in 2007. She completed further study with a Graduate Certificate in Ocular Therapeutics in 2013 through the University of New South Wales, which allows her to prescribe ocular medications for conditions such as glaucoma and eye infections.

Having worked at Options Eyecare since 2008, Bernadette particularly enjoys being able to provide ongoing long-term care for her patients, and having the time to plan individualised and comprehensive management plans. She has a particular interest in low vision cases and dry eye treatment. A career highlight was helping provide eyecare as part of the AHHA charity mission to Cambodia in 2015 and 2016.

Outside of optometry Bernadette enjoys reading, horse riding and exploring the Sunshine Coast with her husband and two boys.