Alicia began her career in optics over 35 years ago as an optical technician. She qualified as a dispensing optician in 1994 and managed an optical practice. Alicia went on to work as clinic manager at Aston University for over 10 years and was involved in informal teaching, and also qualified as an examiner for ABDO. In 2006, she completed the Level 7 qualification in spectacle lens design and in 2008 was appointed director of professional exams for ABDO. Alicia was awarded a PhD from Aston University in 2021, looking into paediatric facial anthropometry in relation to spectacle design. Alicia runs specialist paediatric dispensing clinics in Birmingham and holds the position of director of education, research and professional development for ABDO.