Our Get to Know the Board series continues, introducing the people who help shape and support the work of Optometry Scotland.
This week, we’re getting to know Vice-Chair, Maria McAllister, who shares more about their background, experience and the issues that matter most to them across community optometry.
Over the coming weeks, we’ll continue featuring members of the OS Board and 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 am the Clinical Affairs Lead for Specsavers in Scotland, where I lead the division’s clinical agenda, supporting our optometrists, partners, and store teams to deliver outstanding patient care while preparing for the profession’s future. My role spans clinical governance, workforce development, education, professional engagement and service innovation. No two days are the same. I might be working with government and professional bodies on policy development, supporting clinical performance across our practices, developing training programmes, mentoring clinicians, or helping shape strategic initiatives. My focus is always on raising clinical standards, developing our people and ensuring patients receive the highest quality care.”
What first inspired you to pursue a career in optometry?
“I’ve always been fascinated by the impact that sight has on people’s lives. Optometry offered a unique combination of healthcare, science and human connection, allowing me to make a genuine difference to patients every day. What particularly appealed to me was that you can often see the immediate benefit of your work, whether that’s helping someone see clearly for the first time or identifying an eye condition that requires further care. That blend of clinical problem-solving and patient-centred care has kept me passionate about the profession throughout my career.”
What do you enjoy most about working in community optometry?
“Community optometry sits at the heart of local healthcare. We have the privilege of seeing patients throughout their lives and building trusted relationships within our communities. I love the fact that we can make eye care more accessible while also delivering increasingly advanced clinical services closer to home. The profession has evolved significantly over the last decade, and it’s exciting to be part of a sector that is helping reduce pressure on secondary care while improving patient access to high-quality clinical services.”
What motivated you to get involved with Optometry Scotland?
“I have always been passionate about shaping the future of the profession, not just within my own organisation but across Scotland. Optometry Scotland plays a vital role in representing the profession, influencing policy and supporting practitioners. Getting involved provided an opportunity to contribute to wider discussions about workforce development, clinical practice, education and the future direction of eye care services. I believe that when we work collaboratively across the profession, we can achieve far more for both our colleagues and our patients.”
What do you see as the biggest opportunities for optometry in Scotland over the next few years?
“Scotland has been at the forefront of community-based eye care for many years, and I think we’re entering an incredibly exciting period for the profession. The continued expansion of independent prescribing, greater integration with the wider NHS, and the development of enhanced community pathways all present significant opportunities. We have a highly skilled workforce capable of delivering more care closer to patients’ homes, improving access while helping address pressures elsewhere in the healthcare system. The key will be ensuring we continue to invest in education, leadership and workforce development so the profession is equipped to meet these opportunities.”
What are you most looking forward to in your role on the Optometry Scotland Board?
“As Vice Chair, I’m particularly looking forward to helping shape the strategic direction of the organisation, and supporting the profession through a period of significant change and opportunity. I am passionate about bringing people together, building strong relationships across stakeholders and ensuring that the voice of Scottish optometry continues to be heard at the highest levels.”
“I’m also looking forward to working closely with Richard as Chair. Richard brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to the profession, and I am excited about the opportunity to work alongside him and the wider Board as we continue to build on the strong foundations already in place.”
“Most importantly, I look forward to helping create an environment where clinicians can thrive, services can continue to evolve, and patients across Scotland receive the best possible eye care.”
What advice would you give to someone starting out in optometry today?
“Be curious, stay open to learning and embrace every opportunity that comes your way. The profession today offers far more career pathways than when I qualified. Whether your interests lie in clinical practice, independent prescribing, leadership, education, research or professional representation, there are opportunities to develop a career that reflects your passions.”
“Build strong relationships, seek out mentors, invest in your professional development and never underestimate the value of being kind and supportive to colleagues and patients alike. The future of optometry is incredibly bright, and there has never been a more exciting time to be part of the profession.”
Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
“As a mum to two boys, aged one and five, keeping them alive and thriving is my main hobby at the moment! Outside of family life, I try to make time for walking, Pilates and a good cup of coffee.”
A huge thank you to Maria for taking the time to give answers to our questions.
Next week, we’ll be introducing another member of the OS Board, so keep an eye out for the next feature.