Optical Express

David is a qualified optician and Honorary Professor at the University of Stirling. He founded Optical Express in 1990, almost 35 years ago, and since then the business has grown to obecome the UK’s number one provider of laser eye surgery and private Premium lens replacement surgery and the UK’s only complete eye care provider, with locations nationwide and across Europe.

In 2002 he acquired the 20 large Healthcare businesses and seven eye surgery clinics of The Health Clinic Plc, through a Public to Private administration process. This was the beginning of the transformation of Optical Express from a general ophthalmology provider and retail optical practice group into a broader Healthcare provider and global leader in ophthalmology and refractive eye surgery.

As Founder, Chairman, Chief Executive and 100% Shareholder of Optical Express, David and his Executive Leadership Team have been instrumental in its growth over the last 34 years. The Optical Express & ACES eye care and Healthcare provider are now the UK and European market leaders in refractive eye surgery and general ophthalmology, with over 100 clinic locations across the UK and Europe.

Headquartered in Glasgow, the Group currently operates throughout the UK, Ireland, Croatia and Germany. David established his International Medical Advisory Board (IMAB) in 2005. This has been Chaired by Professor Steven Schallhorn since its inception and is including many of the world’s Key Opinion Leaders and Pioneers in ophthalmology.

David’s experienced clinical and management team deliver exceptional quality of clinical outcomes and world class patient care. His team of ophthalmologists have performed more than two million procedures worldwide.

Optical Express was the first Healthcare business to develop a full Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system in the early 1990’s to collect, interrogate and manage scientific data over 30 years ago. This was a first for the ophthalmology or healthcare / industry and in fact it was actually “AI”, before the term was widely known or even existed.

The Optical Express business and our IMAB have shaped and enhanced ophthalmology clinical practice across the world, publishing more large data sets of clinical studies in Peer Reviewed Scientific Journals than any other organisation.

David has led Optical Express to become the UK’s leading complete eye care provider, Europe’s number one provider of laser eye surgery and Premium lens replacement surgery, and the top provider of ophthalmology services worldwide. He directs the company’s strategic focus on delivering exceptional patient care, together with his most trusted partners at Johnson & Johnson and Zeiss, to provide outstanding clinical outcomes and continued investment in people and technology.

Alongside refractive surgery, Optical Express’ expert clinicians provide a broad range of ophthalmology services including cataract surgery, Premium lens replacement surgery, oculoplastics, and the management of other eye related diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma.

In addition to delivering expert clinical care for patients, David is passionate about minimising the environmental impact of the eye care sector, dedicating his efforts to ensuring that the Optical Express Group leads the way in the decarbonisation of the ophthalmology and ophthalmic industry.

Whilst many people speak of doing this, David is taking decisive and meaningful action.

As well as several practical initiatives, such as providing recycling services for contact lenses and eye glasses, Optical Express aims to educate glasses and contact lens wearers, and the wider ophthalmic industry, about the impact of their vision correction choices and the more sustainable alternatives available, such as laser eye surgery and Premium lens replacement surgery.

It is an irrefutable fact, that each year over 40 billion contact lenses are discarded into our oceans and eco system and many more eye glasses are disposed of worldwide into oceans and landfill sites.

This is one of the world’s (worst) best kept secrets and it is time to expose this and raise the awareness. Contact lenses should carry a Government Health Warning, as cigarettes do. David is happy to be interviewed on this subject at any time by anyone. Contact lenses are causing cancer in our population and our global Healthcare system cannot afford it. The incidence of cancer in the under 50’s population is 5 times that of 30 years ago and contact lens wear and the incorrect disposal of these lenses down showers and sinks is a huge contributing factor. Patients and the general population NEED to understand this. Contact lens companies do not want this to be exposed or to become known. They are in denial for their financial self-interest and it is will become known in time just as it has with cigarettes and vaping.

Environmentally irresponsible disposal of these single use plastics results in them ultimately reaching our oceans and waterways. The small fish then eat the particles of the contact lenses, the big fish eat the small fish and finally these incredibly toxic microplastics end up in the human food chain. Our eco system and our oceans are being destroyed!

This causes irreparable damage to the natural environment and is proven and linked in numerous Peer Reviewed articles to the massive rising incidence of cancer. David wants other leaders within the eye care industry to realise that contact lenses and eye glasses are contributing more than most people realise to this phenomenon and to join him in reducing the harm that the ophthalmic industry is causing to the planet and to humanity.

David sees laser eye surgery and Premium lens replacement surgery as the foremost vision correction choice of the future and is proud to pioneer a new, more sustainable direction for the ophthalmic industry.

ACES

As well as offering high quality care to private patients, David is also committed to making eye care more accessible to NHS patients. To help achieve this, in January 2021 he completed the acquisition of ACES, a community provider of general ophthalmology services for the NHS since 2005. We believe ACES was the first provider to support the NHS in this endeavour.

Since this acquisition, ACES has expanded across England and is extending its coverage further with the ongoing roll out of clinics across England and Wales.

ACES is helping to reduce NHS waiting lists for vital eye care, diagnostic tests and treatments such as cataract surgery, glaucoma care, Age Related Macula Degeneration (AMD) and oculoplastics whilst saving the sight and lives of hundreds of thousands of patients. This is providing access to the highest quality of clinical care to more NHS patients across England and Wales and is undoubtedly reducing the incidence of avoidable sight loss and blindness. In addition, it is also reducing the incidence of trips and falls in the elderly population which place an enormous burden on the NHS including its neurology, cardiovascular and Orthopaedic departments and services which very few people even think about.

Defective sight has a secondary impact on patients and on the NHS through the burden and challenges it creates in cardiovascular disease, orthopaedics and neurology. Patients who have defective sight are 12 times more likely to have a debilitating injury or die from a trip or fall than those whose eyesight is unaffected. They are also 12 times more likely to become a burden on the welfare system and it is a National unspoken scandal!

The Harley Medical Group and Skin Group

In 2024, David and his family fund acquired the following businesses from liquidation:

1. The Harley Medical Group.

2. sk:n otherwise known as SKIN Aesthetics.

3. Skin brands.

4. The Skin Experts.

5. ABC Medical.

The Harley Medical Group and Skin Group’s liquidation led to the immediate closure of over 70 branches across the UK and over 650 colleagues losing their jobs. As well as re-opening many of the branches, David, as the new owner has recruited many of the former employees including doctors, consultants, therapists and administration staff, ensuring existing and new clients will continue to receive the services and treatments they have enjoyed and require. This acquisition provides significant scope for collaboration between the different companies owned by David Moulsdale. For over 34 years, the Optical Express Group has delivered exceptional patient care and world class clinical outcomes in ophthalmology. In addition to medical procedures and clinical aesthetic services, The Harley Medical Group and sk:n clinics will provide eye surgery, primary care, general ophthalmology and NHS eye examinations and advice in partnership with Optical Express & ACES.

Philanthropy and The Moulsdale Foundation

Since the beginning of his career, David has been passionate about improving the lives of others by dedicating time, capital and financial resources to those most in need. Through the Moulsdale Foundation and the companies David owns, he has supported hundreds of charitable endeavours, donating to worthwhile causes in the UK and abroad. This extends to youth and sporting groups, third sector organisations, medical research, cancer charities, environmental causes, children’s charities and many more. Over £34 million has been donated since 1990. It is David’s number one goal to provide those organisations who need it most and are the most efficient with at least £100m in his lifetime. His incredibly intelligent and decent team will carry the baton beyond David, and we hope to donate at least £200m in our lifetime times. Only time will tell.

In 2004, through The Optical Express Group, David donated the majority of the funding required to enable the RNIB to open a £2.5 million facility designed to equip blind and partially sighted people with the skills and confidence to enter, or re-enter employment and society. The facility included 19 en-suite bedrooms, a blind dog walking track and a high magnification IT suite to allow blind and partially sighted people of all ages to develop the required skills to live independently. The project developed following David Moulsdale’s Chairmanship of RNIB Scotland’s New Appeal fund, after three years’ leadership and involvement with the project and in recognition of his substantial financial support, the centre, which was officially opened by Princess Anne, The Princess Royal, was named Moulsdale House.

David has been a long-standing supporter and significant financial donor of Race Against Dementia, the global charity set up by Sir Jackie Stewart, OBE. This programme actively seeks out early career scientists with innovative research proposals and supports new approaches to better understanding the prevention and treatment of the diseases underlying dementia, whilst adopting the F1 mentality of innovation and creativity.

In 2023, David was commended by Scottish Parliamentarians following the official opening of the Moulsdale Foundation’s new Headquarters in Bishopbriggs. This new 100,000 square foot museum and venue is available free of charge to other recognised UK official charities, allowing them to keep all of the income they raise from fundraising events they hold there. Charities can also apply to hold their meetings or training events there at no cost. It is estimated that the venue will save the charity sector over £1 million per year.

Prior to, and since the official opening event, a number of high-profile meetings and events have taken place at the venue in Bishopbriggs with a range of organisations from large national charities to local community groups.

On 29th September 2024, the venue held its first public open day where members of the public were invited to visit the museum. 100% of the funds raised through ticket sales were donated to the Moulsdale Foundation. Going forward the museum will be opened on a regular basis.

Other recent philanthropic projects include the ‘Thanks a Million’ campaign, which saw a donation of over £3 million worth of laser eye surgery and Premium lens replacement surgery to NHS and emergency service workers. David has committed to doing this again from 1st January 2025. Testimonials from the hundreds of NHS and emergency service workers already treated free of charge as a result of this campaign can be viewed on the Optical Express website.

Furthermore, David and Optical Express have provided sponsorship for numerous young athletes over the years. This financial support enables them to enhance their professional opportunities and develop their athletic abilities.

Motorsport

A keen motorsport enthusiast, David purchased Larkhall Circuit in January 2019 and invested over £2.5million in a refurbishment that included an extension of over 400metres to the track, substantial safety updates and improved off-track facilities. The track celebrated its reopening in July 2019, by hosting an event with Formula 1 legend Sir Jackie Stewart, OBE in support of his global Race Against Dementia charity. Fellow former-Formula 1 driver David Coulthard, MBE attended, as did other motorsport stars including current F1 drivers Alexander Albon, Lando Norris and George Russell. Formula 1 and Indy 500 legends Dario Franchitti, Paul Stewart, Damon Hill, Marino Franchitti and the late Gil de Ferron were also present on the day.

In early 2024 Larkhall Circuit was awarded its FIA Karting International Circuit Homologation. This makes it the first track in Scotland that can expand beyond club and National competitions, to major International karting events. Larkhall Circuit International is one of only two tracks in the UK to hold a CIK-FIA licence. The FIA licence is the culmination of the significant investment in the venue and safety and technical design of the track.

There are many incredible young drivers who have won British, European and World Championships who all started their racing careers at Larkhall Circuit International, one of the most technically challenging race circuits, deliberately designed to be so by David, in the world.

Engineering

In 2021 David purchased the world-famous St Rollox Rail Depot in Springburn, Glasgow, after it had been closed by its previous owner, an investment fund, in 2019. David had a vision for the revitalisation of this landmark as a Train Engineering, Manufacturing, Maintenance and Repair Depot. Affectionately referred to locally as “The Caley”, this iconic and important historic site is poised to play a pivotal role in preserving and building on Scotland’s rich heritage of railway engineering and innovation.

Through his investment and partnership with Gibson’s Engineering, a leader in the field of train manufacturing, maintenance and repairs, the Glasgow facility will create employment opportunities for engineers, coachbuilders, project managers and apprentices. The facility aims to expand the workforce to over 1,000 employees over a three-year period and to over 3,000 employees over a five-year period, breathing new life into the Scottish economy, something David is extremely passionate about.

Renewable Energy

As part of his commitment to minimise the environmental impact of the eye care sector and decarbonise the numerous and diverse companies he owns, David and his son Angus are major investors in renewable energy. Together they own large battery storage, solar and wind turbine power projects, and have been pivotal in bringing the most advanced renewable energy technologies to Scotland, drastically reducing carbon emissions. They are also in the process of developing several other new battery storage sites across the UK, which will allow for the effective management and distribution of renewable energy and will be a major factor in helping the Optical Express Group achieve David’s net zero ambitions, by 2030. In addition, he is determined to purchase large areas of land for tree planting to assist the environment and again contribute to becoming carbon negative by 2030 for his entire Group and beyond. This may be a challenge with the Engineering and Construction businesses, but his Train Depot will be the first in the UK to be fully electrified from the main Glasgow to Edinburgh line for almost 2kms into the railway sheds. David, together with Fraser and Dougie Gibson believe this will be a huge advantage for winning contracts and having a proper test track for the rolling stock to be tested and safe.

Property, Leisure and Tourism

David owns an extensive portfolio of commercial, residential, office and industrial property across the UK. This includes 200 SVS Conference & Events, a luxury events and conference business centrally located at 200 St Vincent Street in the heart of Glasgow’s City Centre. 200 St Vincent Street is a dynamic venue offering a stylish and versatile location for meetings, conferences, dinners and receptions as well as product launches, film screenings and music events. It has hosted numerous high-profile receptions and events, such as the Race Against Dementia Gala Dinner, which raised over £100,000 for the charity and was attended by prestigious guests including Sir Jackie Stewart and Scotland’s then First Minister.

The Glasgow venue was also the host of the 2017 Lord Norman and Lady Greta Macfarlane lunch which was attended by over 300 guests to celebrate Lord Macfarlane’s many great achievements and contributions to business and public life in Scotland and beyond.

David is also a major supporter of Scotland’s leisure and tourism sector. He owns property, visitor sites and developments within Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, helping to make this iconic landscape accessible to visitors. He is working with Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park to develop a Master Plan for the Tarbet, Arrochar and Ardlui area which have declined significantly over the last 25 years.

Awards

In 1998, David received the Scottish Business Achievement Award Trust (SBAAT) award from Princess Anne, The Princess Royal, at Holyrood Palace. That same year he also received the Scottish Entrepreneur of the Year Award. In 1999, he won the World Young Business Achiever Award in Lisbon, Portugal, sponsored by WorldCom. The Optical Express Group was a winner in The Sunday Times/Virgin Atlantic Fast Track 100 Awards for growth in revenue, profit and employment. In 2005, David became an Honorary Professor of Entrepreneurship at the University of Stirling.

“You were the first in our industry to really capture patient data and ensure improved patient outcomes. Great job!”

James Mazzo, Global President Ophthalmic Devices, Carl Zeiss Meditec

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“Great accomplishments, and many more to come!”

Andrew I. Chang, President of Carl Zeiss Meditec USA, Inc

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“This profile is a good summary of your incredible contributions to the ophthalmic community, the expert care you and your team provides to patients and to the greater public good. Well done!!”

Steven C. Schallhorn, MD, Chief Medical Officer for global ophthalmic devices, Carl Zeiss Meditec

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“I have regularly witnessed you demonstrate your overwhelming kindness and genuine support to others when challenging things happen to them or their loved ones. People who know David well, know that behind the tough veneer of this seasoned and successful businessman lies a heart of gold that would stop his world to assist anyone close to him at their time of need.”

Hugh Kerr, Commercial Director, Optical Express, 20 years