Continuing our Get to Know the Board series, we’re introducing the people who help shape and support the work of Optometry Scotland. (OS)
This Friday, we’re getting to know Duncan & Todd Representative and OS Director, Stuart Laird, who shares more about his background, experience and the issues that matter most to him across community optometry.
Over the coming weeks, we’ll continue to feature members of the OS Board and highlight the different perspectives they bring to our work.
Can you tell us a bit about your current role and what your day-to-day work involves?
“I’m Head of Clinical Excellence at Duncan & Todd, and my role is all about helping our clinicians deliver the highest standards of patient care. That involves working across the business on clinical governance, professional development, clinical pathways and the introduction of new technologies that can enhance patient outcomes. A big part of my role is ensuring our clinicians have the tools, training and support they need to practise confidently and consistently.
I also spend a lot of time listening to our clinicians and understanding what’s important to them. Whether that’s through branch visits, one to one conversations or feedback from teams, I believe it’s important that people feel heard, supported and valued. If clinicians feel happy and confident at work, they’re far better placed to deliver exceptional care for their patients. No two days are ever quite the same, but the common thread is always improving patient care and supporting the people who deliver it.”
What first inspired you to pursue a career in optometry?
“I don’t think there was one defining moment, but when I look back there were probably a lot of clues along the way. My older sister had a turn in her eye as a child, so regular visits to the optometrist were a normal part of family life. I used to go along to appointments, sit and watch her being examined, and then swap over when it was my turn.”
“At the time I probably didn’t realise it, but those experiences gave me an early appreciation for the role optometrists play in people’s lives. I saw first hand the difference that good eye care could make and became fascinated by the combination of healthcare, science and technology. That interest grew over time and ultimately led me into the profession. Even now, what keeps me passionate about optometry is that it combines clinical expertise with the opportunity to genuinely improve someone’s quality of life.”
What do you enjoy most about working in community optometry?
“For me, it’s the relationships. Community optometrists are often privileged to look after patients over many years, sometimes even generations of the same family. You build trust, you get to know people, and you’re often able to identify changes in their health long before they become significant problems.”
“I also love the variety. In a single day you might help someone see clearly for the first time in years, detect sight threatening disease, reassure a worried patient, or work with wider healthcare colleagues to support someone’s ongoing care. That combination of continuity, clinical challenge and making a meaningful difference to people’s lives is what makes community optometry such a rewarding profession.”
What motivated you to get involved with Optometry Scotland?
“I’ve always believed that if you care about a profession, you should try to contribute to its future. Throughout my career I’ve benefited from the work of people who have advocated for optometry, helped develop clinical pathways and supported professional growth across Scotland. Becoming involved with Optometry Scotland felt like an opportunity to give something back.”
“I’m passionate about ensuring optometry continues to evolve, that our clinicians are represented, and that patients across Scotland can benefit from high quality, accessible eye care. Being involved allows me to contribute to those conversations and help shape the future direction of the profession.”
What do you see as the biggest opportunities for optometry in Scotland over the next few years?
“I think the biggest opportunity is for optometry to continue expanding its role within primary healthcare. Demand for eye care is growing, our population is ageing, and at the same time we’re seeing significant advances in technology and clinical capability. Optometrists are ideally placed to help meet that demand through earlier detection of disease, improved management of long term conditions and closer integration with wider healthcare services. Scotland has often been at the forefront of community eye care, and I think there’s a real opportunity to build on that success. By continuing to invest in our people, our technology and our clinical pathways, we can improve patient outcomes while helping make healthcare more accessible and sustainable.”
What are you most looking forward to in your role on the Optometry Scotland Board?
“I’m looking forward to listening, learning and contributing. Optometry is a diverse profession and there are many different perspectives across independent practice, larger groups, community services and hospital settings. I’m looking forward to hearing those views and understanding the opportunities and challenges colleagues are facing. I’m also excited about the chance to help shape discussions around the future of the profession and to contribute positively to the ongoing development of eye care services in Scotland. It’s a responsibility I take seriously, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to play a small part in supporting the profession’s future.”
What advice would you give to someone starting out in optometry today?
“Stay curious. Optometry is a profession that constantly evolves, and some of the most rewarding opportunities often come from being willing to learn, adapt and challenge yourself. I’d also encourage people to focus on building strong relationships with patients and colleagues. Technical knowledge is incredibly important, but communication, empathy and teamwork are equally valuable skills. Most importantly, remember why you chose the profession in the first place. At its core, optometry is about helping people, and that’s something worth holding onto throughout your career.”
Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
“Like many people, I value spending time with family and friends and finding opportunities to switch off from work. I enjoy being outdoors, keeping active and making the most of time with the people who matter most to me. Those moments help provide balance and perspective, particularly in a profession where we’re often heavily focused on supporting others. They also remind me of the importance of wellbeing and looking after ourselves just as much as we encourage our patients and colleagues to do.”
Thank you so much to Stuart for taking the time to answers our questions.
Stay tuned for next week, when we’ll be introducing another member of the OS Board.