07 July 2026
Mackie Opticians Bothwell celebrated its 30th anniversary at the end of June, with patients and colleagues coming together to celebrate in practice.
Established in 1996 by independent prescribing optometrist (IP) Dr Scott Mackie and his optometrist wife Dr Roisin Mackie, the milestone also marks the handover of the Hakim Group independent practice following its acquisition by IP optometrist, Neil Gray.
Talking to OT as he prepared for the acquisition, Mackie described the practice’s biggest achievement as “serving our patients and community over the years having started the practice from scratch.”
“We have also been fortunate to pick up some awards throughout our practice journey,” he added.
Reflecting on three decades for the practice, Mackie acknowledged that it has not come without challenges, including successfully navigating the conversion of the practice into an emergency eye care treatment centre during the pandemic, and triaging patients when all staff members were furloughed.
“I think it will be a bit weird at first not running daily eye tests and eye casualty clinics after 30 years, and I will definitely miss the patients and our staff for their unwavering support,” Mackie shared.
Gray officially takes over Mackie Opticians Bothwell on 1 August.
Mackie shared that stepping away from the practice, he and his wife will be moving to live by the sea, which is “a longstanding dream, and felt this was the right time to move on.”
“I will miss primary care optometry in such an ever-changing new landscape. However, I will relish more time for leisure activities and winding down – but not completely,” he added.
Pictured left to right are practice team members Neil Gray, Addrienne Johnston, Pamela Alexander, Liz Loraine, Scott Mackie, Sheona Syme, and Roisin Mackie.
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