After qualifying from The Lipton Orthoptic Institute in Glasgow as an orthoptist, Dawn's first clinical post was with Ayrshire and Arran health board followed by a long-term position as highly specialist orthoptist for NHS Forth Valley. In this post her specialist role included an orthoptic member of the multidisciplinary team, visual impairment support services for children in the community, providing a service for children with complex additional support needs and visual impairment. In addition, Dawn held a position as lecturer of orthoptics at Glasgow Caledonian University.