David was born and bred in Hastings (Hawkes Bay) before moving to Auckland to study at the Auckland University. Shortly after graduating with a Bachelors Degree in Optometry in 1992 he worked at the Eye/Ophthalmology Department at Auckland Public Hospital to further develop his Optometric skills. In 2017 he gained his therapeutic qualification by completing a postgraduate Certificate in Ocular Therapeutics (ACO-COT). He has been with Hawkins Optometrists for over 25+ years with a primary focus on client care with expert advice and service.