Stuart studied at University in Glasgow, Scotland. He graduated in 1994 with a diploma in ophthalmic dispensing and again in 1998 with an honours degree in Optometry. In 1999 following a year in private practice in Edinburgh, Scotland he passed the professional exams from the British College of Optometry in the UK.
For the next two years he worked as an optometrist at the biggest contact lens practice in the UK located in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. After four years of work in private practice in the North East of England, Stuart decided to emigrate to Adelaide and continue work in an independent practice. He became a director of Thomas & Mackay in 2009.
Stuart has an interest in all aspects of optometry, but particularly contact lenses.