At Duncan & Todd Group, our commitment to clinical excellence is what sets us apart. It’s not just about expertise it’s about care, compassion, and continually raising the standard for our patients.
That’s why we’re proud to introduce Stuart Laird, our new Head of Clinical Excellence a key appointment that reflects our ongoing investment in our clinical teams and the care we provide across our communities.
So, we sat down with Stuart to learn more about his journey, his approach to clinical excellence, and what excites him about joining Duncan & Todd -
Tell us about your background in optometry
“I graduated from Glasgow Caledonian University and completed my pre-registration year in Glasgow. I often think I learned just as much in that one year from outstanding mentors and friends as I did in the four preceding years of lectures, workshops and clinics.
I then worked extensively as a locum optometrist across a wide range of settings multiples, independents, domiciliary care and supermarket practices which gave me fantastic exposure to different ways of working and a real breadth of experience.
Later, I joined Asda Opticians, where I worked in clinic, training and support roles before moving into the professional services team at their Head Office in Leeds. I went on to lead that team, alongside broader responsibilities including project management, and was later appointed Head of Optical.
Since joining Duncan & Todd this year, I’ve been blown away by the warm welcome, the supportive culture, and the genuine desire to provide the very best care to patients.”
What does “clinical excellence” mean to you?
“For me, it’s simple, it’s about a relentless commitment to providing the very best of our clinical knowledge and expertise to every patient.
It’s about having thorough, meaningful conversations, recommending the right products and services, and always showing care and compassion. Clinical excellence isn’t a one-off moment it’s something we deliver consistently, every single day.”
What attracted you to Duncan & Todd?
“Even before joining, I was very aware of Duncan & Todd’s strong reputation. The opportunity to come in and build on what are already fantastic foundations was one I was genuinely excited about. I’m passionate about professional development and progression, and about working collaboratively to deliver outstanding clinical and customer service to our local communities so this role felt like a perfect fit.”
What do you enjoy most about your role?
“The people without a doubt. I really enjoy listening to and learning from our clinicians and our customers and then using those insights to help shape how we grow and improve as an organisation. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of that process.”
And outside of work?
“I do love being at work but I love being with my family more. So outside of work, it’s all about spending time with my wife Lucy and our two young boys… and, of course, keeping up with St Mirren Football Club.”
Stuart’s appointment is more than just a new role it’s part of a wider commitment. At Duncan & Todd Group, we’re continuing to invest in our people, our expertise, and the future of eye care. As part of this, we are actively recruiting optometrists across multiple locations. If you’re passionate about delivering exceptional care and want to be part of a supportive, forward-thinking team, we’d love to hear from you.
