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 Independent South & East Representative and OS Director, Ben Wilkinson, 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 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’m an independent optometrist and director at Rifkind & Brophy Optometrists in Morningside, Edinburgh. My role is a mixture of clinical work and running the business. I still do all my own testing, alongside enhanced services such as the Community Glaucoma Service and the GOS Specialist Supplementary, both of which we are heavily involved in. I also spend time developing the practice, supporting the team and looking at how we can improve what we offer our patients. No two days are really the same!”
What first inspired you to pursue a career in optometry?
“I liked the combination of science, healthcare and working with people. I think optometry is a really rewarding profession because you can make a genuine difference to someone’s life. The more I’ve worked in the profession, the more I’ve realised just how much we can do beyond simply prescribing glasses.”
What do you enjoy most about working in community optometry?
“Definitely the relationships you build with patients. We’re lucky to have been part of the Morningside community since 1966, and looking after generations of the same families is really special. I also love the clinical side and showing people what modern community optometry can offer. We have the skills and technology to deliver a huge amount of care locally, and I think we should be making the most of that.”
What motivated you to get involved with Optometry Scotland?
“I’ve become increasingly interested in the bigger picture of our profession and how decisions around NHS services, funding and regulation affect optometrists working on the ground. As an independent practice owner, I see the opportunities but also the challenges. I wanted to get involved, contribute my experience and make sure the voice of independent community optometry is represented.”
What do you see as the biggest opportunities for optometry in Scotland over the next few years?
“I think there are huge opportunities to expand the role of community optometry. We have highly skilled clinicians and increasingly advanced technology, so there’s real potential to deliver more care closer to home and take pressure off hospital services. But we need to get the basics right. Proper training, appropriate funding and enough time to deliver services safely. I hope that through Optometry Scotland, we can continue to make the case for the support and resources needed to help the profession make the most of these opportunities.”
What are you most looking forward to in your role on the Optometry Scotland Board?
“I’m looking forward to meeting and working with people across the profession, learning from their experiences and hopefully contributing something useful myself. I want to bring a practical perspective from working in independent practice. It’s important that decisions and ideas work in the real world, not just on paper. Ultimately, we’re all trying to achieve the same thing: better care for patients.“
What advice would you give to someone starting out in optometry today?
“Be curious, keep learning and make the most of the opportunities available to you. Optometry is changing all the time, and there’s so much more to the profession than routine sight testing. I’d also say never lose sight of the patient in front of you. Do what’s right for them, take pride in your clinical decisions and don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. It’s a great profession to be part of.“
Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
“Most of my spare time revolves around family life and my 2 kids! I enjoy keeping active, I’m still playing a bit of rugby, although definitely feeling older after each game. Getting to the gym and traveling are also passions of mine. I enjoy getting outdoors, walking my best pal Kevin the Dog and switching off from work. It’s important to have that balance!“
Massive thank you to Ben for taking the time to answers our questions.
Stay tuned for next week, when we’ll be introducing another member of the OS Board.