Optometry Scotland (OS) is delighted to announce the appointment of a new Chair, Vice Chair and three independent regional representative directors following its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 23 September 2026.
Richard Spruce has taken up the role of Chair of Optometry Scotland, with Maria McAllister appointed Vice Chair.
Richard moves into the role having previously served as Vice-Chair, bringing extensive experience of the organisation, its membership and the wider community optometry landscape in Scotland.
Maria has previously served as an OS Director and Specsavers Representative and brings significant experience of both the profession and Optometry Scotland’s work representing practices across Scotland.
They are joined on the Board by three new independent regional representatives:
- Gemma Hill, Independent West Representative, OS Director
- Ben Wilkinson, Independent East and South Representative, OS Director
- Lloyd Griffiths, Independent North Representative, OS Director
The appointments strengthen regional representation on the OS Board and provide a direct voice for independent practices across Scotland.
They come at an important time for community optometry, as the profession continues to expand its contribution to primary care and play an increasingly significant role in delivering accessible eye care within communities.
Optometry Scotland will continue to work closely with its members, the Scottish Government, NHS partners and wider stakeholders to ensure the experience and expertise of the profession helps shape the future development of eye care in Scotland.
Richard Spruce, Chair of Optometry Scotland, said:
“I am delighted to take on the role of Chair of Optometry Scotland and to have the opportunity to represent our members and the wider profession.
“Community optometry has an increasingly important role within Scotland’s primary care system and there are significant opportunities ahead to build on the services already being delivered by practices across the country.
“I look forward to working alongside Maria, our regional representatives, the wider Board and our membership to ensure Optometry Scotland remains a strong and effective voice for the profession, while continuing to advocate for sustainable, accessible and high-quality community eye care.”
Maria McAllister, Vice Chair of Optometry Scotland, said:
“I am delighted to take on the role of Vice Chair and look forward to working alongside Richard, our Board and the wider Optometry Scotland membership to help lead the profession through the opportunities and challenges ahead.
“Strong engagement with our members is central to Optometry Scotland’s work. As community optometry continues to evolve, it is vital that the experiences, challenges and priorities of practices across Scotland are heard, represented and reflected in the decisions that shape the future of our profession.
“Having previously represented Specsavers, I have seen the value of strong leadership, collaboration and shared purpose across the sector. Bringing together the perspectives of multiple and independent practices gives us a stronger collective voice and enables us to advocate more effectively on behalf of all community optometrists.
“As Vice Chair, I look forward to supporting the development of Optometry Scotland’s strategic priorities, working closely with colleagues and members across the profession, and ensuring we continue to build a strong, united and influential voice for optometry in Scotland.”
The three new independent regional representatives will play an important role in strengthening the connection between the OS Board and independent practices, ensuring that regional experiences and priorities are represented directly at Board level.
The new leadership follows Eilidh Thomson’s term as Chair of Optometry Scotland. Eilidh will continue to support the organisation as Immediate Past Chair.
Optometry Scotland thanks Eilidh for her leadership and contribution during her time as Chair, including her work representing the profession and supporting the organisation through a significant period of development for community optometry in Scotland.
The appointments took effect following the Optometry Scotland AGM on Wednesday 23 September 2026.