Mackie Opticians Lesmahagow celebrates 30 years

The Scottish independent practice, Mackie Opticians in Lesmahagow, has celebrated 30 years of serving the community’s eye care needs.

Optometrists, Drs Roisin and Scott Mackie, opened the Lesmahagow practice in 1995, and also run another practice in Bothwell.

The practice recognised the anniversary with two gala days in the practice, with afternoon tea and prosecco. Patients and previous members of staff were invited to attend.

Dr Roisin Mackie said: “We wanted to thank all our patients for their support over the years. As you know, without patients, we have no business. Many of our patients have been coming for 20 years or more.”

The event was attended by the practice’s longest-attending patient of 30 years, Esther Miller.

The practice is run by two support staff, Lynn Murray and Allison Carty, with optometrist Dr Roisin Mackie providing eye care while Dr Scott Mackie provides care from the Bothwell practice.

Dr Roisin Mackie reflected on the anniversary: “We opened on the Glasgow Fair Fortnight, which was a traditional holiday for central Scotland from the shipbuilding era, in July 1995.”

“The village never had an optician previously and we saw a need to provide community eye care to this and the surrounding villages of Coalburn, Kirkmuirhill and Blackwood,” she said.

Over time, the practice has adapted and expanded the services offered, becoming designated as an Emergency Eyecare Treatment Centre during the COVID-19 pandemic, and taking part in vaccinations.

The practice has provided specialist independent prescribing casualty services and glaucoma clinics, supplied NHS magnifiers, and signposted patients to services.

The practice team has gained qualifications in low vision, independent prescribing, and NESGAT glaucoma, and gained recognition in the Scottish Health Awards, Optician Awards, and Macular Society Awards.

The practice expressed its gratitude to the community for “all their support” over the years.

Mackie highlighted that the practice has strived to be a part of the community by participating in local schemes, such as sponsoring the Highland games and donating closed circuit television low vision aid to the local care home.