Hamilton eye care practice welcomes MSP for sector talks

Alex Kerr, MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall, and Stonehouse, visited The Optical Factor on Almalda Street to discuss the future of eye care in Scotland and the evolving role of community optometrists.

MSP Alex Kerr keep up-to-date with his eye test during a visit to The Optical Factor to discuss the future of eye care in Scotland (Image: Daniel Owens)

During the visit, Kerr received an eye examination from optometrist Nicole Ellis before meeting with practice partner Neil Gray to talk about developments in the sector.

Neil Gray said: "It was great to welcome Alex to the practice and have the opportunity to talk openly about where optometry is heading and the important role community practices can play in the future of healthcare.

"There is a huge amount of exciting areas being worked on in Scottish optometry, from the roll-out of the low vision scheme at a national level to the further advancement of the specialist supplementary appointments and also the community glaucoma scheme.

"All these services allow more patients to be seen locally for their eye health issues or concerns and ultimately lead to a better level of care."

The discussion also covered the impact of technology in optometry, the Lanarkshire lens scheme, and the potential effects of changes within the health board system.

They spoke about the new MOptom course in Scotland, with its foundation training year due to begin in 2028, and ongoing efforts by Optometry Scotland to expand the profession’s role in the wider healthcare system.

Neil said: "The introduction of the new MOptom course and its foundation training year from 2028 will hopefully allow the next generation of Scottish optometrists get the best start to their working life through increased clinic exposure and different working environments."

The Optical Factor is beginning a new chapter following its recent acquisition and the appointment of new partners Neil Gray, Alistair Duff, and Peter Telfer.

The practice was originally founded by Carla DiMambro, who passed away last year. Her daughters, Rachel and Rebecca, managed the practice until the transition to new ownership.

Neil said: "Following the recent acquisition, Alistair, Peter, and I are now working together as partners and are committed to building on the strong foundations that Carla created when she established the practice.

"It was a pleasure to be able to share some of our ambitions with Alex and to discuss how practices like ours can continue to contribute to the future of eye care in Scotland."

The visit also emphasised the vital connection between community optometry practices and the residents they serve, with discussions centred on how changes in the profession could lead to better patient outcomes at a local level.