For more than 30 years, Dr Scott Mackie has been a familiar face to thousands of people across Bothwell and the surrounding area, helping generations of local families look after their sight.
Now, after three decades at the helm of Mackie Opticians, Scott has announced his retirement, bringing a close to a remarkable career dedicated to patient care, clinical excellence and the local community.
While Scott is stepping away from full-time practice, patients can be reassured that the practice they know and trust will continue seamlessly under the leadership of experienced optometrist Neil Gray. Scott’s wife, Roisin, will also remain part of the team, continuing to see patients on a part-time locum basis.
Reflecting on his retirement, Scott said: “When we opened the practice, our aim was simple – to treat every patient as an individual and provide the very best care possible. Thirty years later, that’s still what I’m most proud of.
“We’ve been privileged to care for so many wonderful people. Some patients first came to us as children and now they’re bringing in their own children and grandchildren. Those relationships are incredibly special and I’ll miss seeing everyone.”
Originally from nearby Hamilton, Scott’s journey into optometry began with a desire to work in a profession centred around helping people.
After qualifying as both a dispensing optician and optometrist, he completed a PhD in diabetic eye disease before establishing Mackie Opticians alongside Roisin in the mid-1990s.
Over the years, the practice has built a reputation for combining advanced clinical care with a warm, personal approach that has earned the loyalty of patients from across Lanarkshire.
Away from the consulting room, Scott became one of Scotland’s most respected figures in optometry, helping shape professional education, organising nationally recognised conferences and supporting eye care projects around the world.
Despite receiving numerous professional accolades, Scott says his greatest achievement has always been the trust of his patients: “Everything we’ve achieved has been because our patients chose to put their trust in us. I can never thank them enough for their loyalty and friendship over the years.
“Although I’m retiring, I do so knowing the practice has a fantastic future. Neil shares exactly the same commitment to patient care, and Roisin will continue to be involved, so patients can be completely confident they’re in safe hands.”
Neil Gray said he was honoured to be continuing the practice’s proud history: “Scott and Roisin have created an exceptional practice built on professionalism, kindness and putting patients first. It’s a privilege to carry that legacy forward.
“Our message to patients is simple: the friendly faces, high standards of care and commitment to the community will remain at the heart of everything we do.”
Although retirement will allow Scott to spend more time with his family, golf clubs and sailing boat, he says he won’t be disappearing completely, with plans to continue supporting the profession through consultancy work.
“It’s time for a new chapter,” he said. “But I’ll always be incredibly grateful to everyone who has been part of the journey.”
