Optometrist clocks up 20 years of service

Blair Galloway has worked for Optical Express since his previous employer was acquired by the national eye care provider in 1995.

The 49-year-old, who is based at the Optical Express’ Kirkintilloch clinic, is now one of the company’s longest serving optometrists. His career is set to be celebrated as part of a special staff awards initiative being implemented to mark the company’s 25th anniversary.

Blair, who has worked in almost every one of Optical Express’s Scottish clinics during his 20 years with the national eye care provider, said: “Even though I’ve been an optometrist for over 20 years now, the truth is that I didn’t really know what I wanted to do for a living when I was at school. I had an uncle who was a dispensing optician, but I didn’t really make up my mind until I got talking to an optics lecturer at a careers event and realised I liked the sound the of the course.

Blair added: “The most enjoyable aspect of the job is helping people with vision problems to get a good outcome.

“It could be as simple as referring them to their GP for a prescription for dry eyes or stepping in to save their sight. I remember one patient who had a detached retina, which he described as being like having a curtain drawn over his eyes. He thought he was going to Blackpool to ride on rollercoasters the following day, but I had to make an emergency referral to hospital for him that evening - otherwise he faced significant vision loss.

“I always tell my patients to come in if they think they have a problem, no matter how big or small.”

David Moulsdale, Chairman and CEO of Optical Express, said: “I’d like to thank Blair for his years of hard work and loyalty. Not only is he a highly experienced optometrist, he also plays a central role in the local community having built relationships with patients and their families throughout the years. The service he provides to them and to the company is unrivalled.”