Ann has more than 30 years of clinical practice experience and in 2009 completed a PhD that explored the effect of amblyopia (lazy eye) in children. She has presented her research at international vision and ophthalmology meetings, as well she has presented to optometry conferences in Queensland, Victoria and South Australia.

Ann studied Optometry in Brisbane and completed her degree at QUT in 1984, graduating with a BAppSc(Optom)(Hons) and pursued post-graduate studies at UHCO in Houston, USA, completing a Master of Science in Physiological Optics in 1988. The period in Houston, which provided clinical and research opportunities, proved a valuable experience in developing Ann's interest in children's vision and vision research. Ann was awarded a PhD through the QLD University of Technology in 2009 for her research that addressed the impact of lazy eye in children. Ann is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry.

In 2015 Ann was made a Diplomate in the Binocular Vision, Perception, & Pediatric Optometry (BVPPO) Section of the American Academy of Optometry. This is a great achievement as she is the only Optometrist outside the Americas to achieve this honour.

In 2010 Ann was honoured to be named by The Australian Society for Medical Research as a Finalist in it's Clinical Research Award for 2010. This was for her work on the impact of Amblyopia.

In 2014 Ann was honoured by being the recipient of the Hamlyn R Brier Clinical Optometry Award from Optometry Queensland.

Ann has had an active role in the Optometrists Association of Australia, serving as both councillor and President, and the Optometry Board of Australia.

Ann was promoted to the position of Associate Professor in the Queensland University of Technology's Faculty of Health in June 2018.