Global award for Frank in recognition of his work

Frank, who has practised in Belfast for over 50 years, was overwhelmed by the award commenting: “It’s traditionally a highly guarded secret to whom the medal would be awarded and I was totalling taken by surprise.

“I’m delighted to have the good wishes from so many friends in the contact lens world, right across the spectrum of contact lens designers, manufacturers, scientists, educators and especially clinicians.”

Frank is the third generation of the Petticrew family to work in eye care, his father and grandfather being opticians and jewellers in their practice on Bow Street, Lisburn which was established in 1887.

He is succeeded in Petticrew Optometrists by his youngest son Andrew who now fits specialist contact lenses in the family practice.

Andrew said: “I couldn’t be more proud of my dad – he is an innovator and an excellent optometrist. The recurrent thought amongst our patients continues to be that he is a ‘true gentleman.’”