Optometry Scotland is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of David Bonellie, a former Chair and longstanding member of the organisation.
David was Chair of Optometry Scotland in 2014 and played an important role in the development and leadership of the profession through a challenging period of change for the profession.
As Chair, he gave significant time and commitment to representing the interests of community optometry in Scotland, helping to shape the organisation’s direction and strengthen its voice with key stakeholders.
Throughout his involvement with Optometry Scotland, David was recognised for his dedication to the profession and his steady commitment to supporting the organisation’s aims and the wider optometry community. His work demonstrated a clear commitment to the value of representative bodies and to fostering collaboration across the sector.
David’s education included attending Shawlands Academy in Glasgow, he then started the BSc in Ophthalmic Optics at Glasgow College of Technology and graduated some time later. It was when he was in his final year that he met his wife-to-be, Joyce, during a Scottish optical function in the Grosvenor Hotel, Glasgow. They were married and moved to the Village of Stewarton shortly after then. They welcomed Fiona their first born into the family fold with Jayne joining few years later.
The family enjoyed many years holidaying at their holiday home Lochgoilhead, spending long periods every summer with David coming up at weekends after he finished work. They also enjoyed many overseas holidays in the Balearics and the Canary Islands when the girls were young with special memories of visits to Disney in the USA.
Despite a fear of horses David fully supported his daughters in their love of all things equestrian – as long as he did not have to be too close to the animals!
David has always enjoyed great respect by colleagues throughout his career for his experience, insight, and commitment to supporting optometry in Scotland.
He opened his first practice in Cowglen, Glasgow in 1976 and expanded to nine practices over time. Eventually reducing this to three practices in Irvine, Largs and Stewarton where he worked until his retiral a few years ago.
David was always actively involved in the Scottish optical scene and the local optical groups in his area. He took great pride in setting up the Scottish Optical Buying Group that enabled many independent practices achieve a level of sustainability in financially challenging times.
Outside of work and family his other great passion was rugby. He played for Shawlands Academy as a boy, retained an interest with the former pupil’s team and was heavily involved with the Kilmarnock Rugby Club after he settled in Ayrshire. As President he took great pride in representing the Club at International games and various rugby related functions.
David was a kind and considerate person, always available for a friendly chat or to offer advice and support to colleagues. He had a bright, friendly and cheery demeanour, always a smile when he met and greeted friends and colleagues.
David was a hugely competent optometrist, he remained fully committed to his profession to the end, hugely respected for his knowledge and experience by all who knew or worked with him. He will be missed by so many, especially at the various optical conferences and events across the UK and beyond where he seemed to be an ever-constant presence.
David’s contribution to Optometry Scotland and to the wider optical community will be remembered with appreciation and respect.
David was taken too early on the 15th January 2026 following a short illness.
Our thoughts are with his wife Joyce, daughters Fiona and Jayne, family, friends, and colleagues at this difficult time.
This tribute was written with contributions from Frank Munro, founder of Optometry Scotland and a close colleague and friend of David.