GCU presents optometrist with Alumni of the Year Award

Michael O’Kane, optometrist and director of three Specsavers businesses in Edinburgh, received the award at a celebration on 5 February

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Michael O'Kane wears a black suit and white shirt with a red and blue tartan tie. He stands in a large hall with tall windows and is smiling brightly

Glasgow Caledonian University

Kimberley Young

11 February 2026

Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) has presented Michael O’Kane, optometrist and director of three Specsavers businesses in Edinburgh, with an Alumni of the Year Award.

The celebration, held on 5 February, recognises the achievements of GCU alumni and the paths they have taken since graduation. The 2026 event coincides with the university’s 150^th anniversary.

The awards recognised three graduates for 2026 from the School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow School for Business and Society, and School of Science and Engineering.

O’Kane was recognised by the university as a multi-award-winning optometrist, among fewer than 1% of UK optometrists to achieve Fellowship of the College of Optometrists.

O’Kane leads a team of more than 70 staff and holds advanced qualifications in glaucoma management, paediatric eye care, medical retina, and myopia control.

He is a former chair of NHS Education for Scotland Optometric Education Advisory Board and Executive Board member of Optometry Scotland, and helped to shape a national strategy for eye care in Scotland during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2024, O’Kane helped to establish Scotland’s first Vision Care for Homeless People eye clinic at the Crisis Skylight in Edinburgh.

Commenting on the award, O’Kane said: “I am honoured to receive the Alumni of the Year Award from Glasgow Caledonian University, and I am profoundly grateful to the University for shaping my values and career.”

“My journey began with a BSc in optometry where I served as class president, and continued through advanced studies including a diploma in therapeutic and independent prescribing, an MSc in investigative ophthalmology and vision research, and several postgraduate courses,” he added.

O’Kane reflected: “These opportunities have enabled me to support thousands of patients in primary care and lead three Specsavers practices, while fundraising for neonatal ophthalmic care and delivering eye cand hearing clinics for people experiencing homelessness.”