David Charles Moulsdale

David Moulsdale is a Philanthropist and the Founder, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer & Chief Strategic Officer of Moulsdale Investments.

Moulsdale Investments is a Family Office and owns numerous businesses across various diverse sectors.

David’s first business at the age of 20 was Optical Express, and the Family Office now owns several other businesses including Property, Engineering, Renewable Energy, Leisure & Tourism and Financial Services. David is also the Founder of the Moulsdale Foundation.

Optical Express

David Moulsdale is a qualified Optician and Honorary Professor at the University of Stirling. He founded Optical Express in 1990, over 35 years ago, and since then the Group has grown to become the UK’s number one provider of Laser Eye, Premium Lens Exchange and Private Cataract Surgery. The Group now provides a full range of Ophthalmology Services.

The Group has locations nationwide and across Europe. In 2002, The Group acquired The Health Clinic Plc, a fully listed Public Company, through a financial restructuring process. The Health Clinic, had 20 clincs, including 7 laser eye surgery clinics.

This was the beginning of the transformation of the Optical Express Group from a General Ophthalmic provider and Optical Retail Practice Group into a broader Healthcare provider and global leader in Ophthalmology and Refractive Eye Surgery.

The Optical Express Group has acquired numerous businesses from Special Eyes Plc to Boots Plc Laser Eye and Dental business, amongst many other businesses.

At one time Optical Express had 248 Optical Retail practices but currently has less than 20 practices.

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 35 years. Optical Express & now ACES Eye-care and Healthcare provider are the UK and European market leader in refractive Eye Surgery and General Ophthalmology.

The Group is headquartered in Glasgow and currently operates from over 130 Clinics and Eye Hospitals throughout the UK, Ireland, Germany and Croatia.

David established the Ophthalmology International Medical Advisory Board (IMAB) in 2005. This has been Chaired by Professor Steven Schallhorn and Deputy Medical Director, Professor Julie Schallhorn. Since its inception, it has included many of the world’s Key Opinion Leaders and Pioneers in Ophthalmology.

This includes Dr Jan Venter, Dr Marguerite McDonald, Dr John Vukich, Dr Zaina Al-Mohtaseb, Dr Stephen Slade, Dr David Teenan, Dr Colman Kraff, Dr Stephen Coleman, Dr Stephen Hannan, Professor David Spalton, Dr Julie Schallhorn, Dr Stephen Klyce, Dr Steven Dell and Dr Eric Donnenfeld.

David’s experienced Clinical and Management Team deliver exceptional quality of clinical outcomes and World Class Patient Care. His team of Ophthalmologists have, to date, performed over 2 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. This was a first for the Ophthalmic and Healthcare industry and in fact it was actually “AI”, before the term was widely known, recognised or understood. The Optical Express Group and its IMAB have shaped and enhanced Ophthalmology and clinical practice across the Globe, publishing more large datasets of clinical studies in Peer Reviewed Scientific Journals than any other organisation.

David, supported by his IMAB, has led the Optical Express Group to become the Global leading eye care provider it is today, Europe’s number one provider of Laser Eye Surgery and Premium Lens Replacement Surgery, and the number one provider of Ophthalmology services worldwide. He directs the company’s strategic focus on delivering exceptional patient care, together with his most trusted partners at Bausch & Lomb, Johnson & Johnson and Zeiss, to provide outstanding clinical outcomes and through continued investment in people and technology.

Alongside Refractive Surgery, Optical Express’s 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 Ophthalmic and Ophthalmology 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 Contact Lens and Eye Glasses 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 ecosystem 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 of this enormous scandal.

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 Global population and our Global Healthcare system! We simply cannot afford it and cannot ignore this any longer. The incidence of Cancer in the under 60’s population is 5 times greater than that of 30 years ago!!

Contact Lens wear and the incorrect disposal of these lenses down showers and sinks is a huge contributing factor to the exponential increase in Cancer. 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, we can only assume for their financial self-interest and the associated dangers 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, ecosystems and foodchain. 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 massively 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 and Ophthalmology 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 a broad range of Ophthalmology services for the NHS since 2004.

ACES was the first provider in 2004, to support the NHS in this endeavour. Since this acquisition, in 2021, ACES has expanded across England & Wales and is extending its coverage further with the ongoing rollout of clinics.

ACES is helping to reduce NHS waiting lists for vital Eye Care, Diagnostic tests and treatments such as Cataract Surgery, Glaucoma Care, Age-Related Macular 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 & 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. Most people don't realise or even think about this including the Ophthalmologists and Clinical Leaders across the Independent Commissioning Boards (ICB’s) or Government Ministers.

Defective sight has an enormous secondary impact on patients health, quality of life and on costs to the NHS, through the burden and challenges it creates on Mental Health, Cardiovascular Disease, Orthopaedics and Neurology. Patients who have defective sight are 12 to 20 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 to 20 times more likely to become a burden on the Welfare System and it is a National unspoken horrific scandal!

The Harley Medical Group and Skin Group

In July 2024, David and his Family Office 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 many clinics and also 650 leading healthcare workers, including clinicians and administration staff, losing their jobs. As well as re-opening many of the clinics, David and his Family Office, as the new owners, recruited hundreds of the former employees including Doctors, Consultants, Therapists and Administration Staff, ensuring existing and new patients received the services they requested and deserved.

This will enable clients & patients to receive the exceptional services and treatments they have enjoyed and require. This acquisition provides significant scope for collaboration between the different Medical Companies owned by David Moulsdale and his Family Office

For over 35 years, the Moulesdale Investments Group has delivered exceptional Patient Care and World Class clinical outcomes in Ophthalmology and Healthcare.

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. Along with Orthopaedic, Cosmetic and other life saving diagnostics procedures including MRI, CT Scans and other Screening Services.

Philanthropy and The Moulsdale Foundation

Since the beginning of his career, David Moulsdale 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 and his Family Office owns, he has supported hundreds of charitable endeavours, donating to worthwhile causes in the UK and internationally. This extends to youth and sporting groups, third sector organisations, medical research, Cancer Charities, Environmental Causes, Children’s Charities and many more across the globe

Over £36 million has been donated since 1990. It is David’s number one goal to provide those organisations who need it most, and are the operating efficiently, with at least £100m in his lifetime. He also believes his children will carry the baton beyond him and act responsibly and effectively and hopefully donate at least £200 million more!

His incredibly intelligent and talented team have supported David in these endeavours.

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 in Edinburgh, specifically designed to equip blind and partially sighted people with the skills and confidence to enter, or re-enter employment and society. The 10,000 sq ft facility included 19 en-suite bedrooms, a guide dog walking track and a large high magnification IT suite to allow blind and partially sighted people of all ages to develop the required skills to live independently and even re-enter the work environment. 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 on 5th of April 2004

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.

David's mother passed away after suffering with Dementia for 3 years. Race Against Dementia actively seeks out early career scientists with innovative research proposals and supports new approaches to a better understanding of the prevention and treatment of the diseases underlying dementia, whilst adopting the F1 mentality of innovation and creativity. Sir Jackie has been a very close friend, mentor and inspiration to David and his family for more than 3 decades.

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 sq ft charitable Headquarters has a Museum and events venue that is available free of charge to other registered and recognised UK official charities. This enables the Moulsdale Foundation to allow all of the charities to keep all of the income they raise from fundraising events that are held there.

Charities can apply to hold their meetings or events there at no cost. It is estimated that the venue will save the charity sector over £2 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. A range of organisations from large National Charities to local community groups regularly utilise the facility.

The facility was officially opened on the 4th of November 2023 by Sir Jackie Stewart OBE, David Coulthard OBE and Allan McNish. On the 29th September 2024, the venue held its first general public open day with members of the public invited to visit the Moulsdale Foundation Charity Museum with 100% of the funds raised through ticket sales being donated to the Moulsdale Foundation Charity.

Following the initial open day, there are now regular events and open days held at the museum, when it is open to the public to allow them to view and enjoy the magnificent collection of cars, motorcycles, bicycles, artwork, and memorabilia on display.

The Moulsdale Foundation is extremely grateful to all of the generous friends and business associates who have very kindly and generously lent their incredible assets to the Moulsdale Foundation. Charitable Museum. It’s the largest collection of its kind in Scotland.

In partnership with the Addiction Recovery Centre (ARC), the Moulsdale Foundation provides an outreach centre to allow regular daily meetings to be held for individuals who are challenged with addiction, including alcohol, drugs and gambling.

One to one sessions also take place throughout the week at times to suit the needs of individuals. The Moulsdale Foundation are delighted to provide the venue, parking and refreshments to the Addiction Recovery Centre at no cost.

Other recent philanthropic projects include the numerous ‘Thanks a Million’ campaigns, which have provided to date a donation of over £4 million worth of Laser Eye Surgery and Premium Lens Replacement Surgery to the NHS, Carers, Emergency Service workers and our outstanding Military Veterans. The ‘Thanks A Million’ Campaign was recently relaunched again in March 2025 and David is launching another "Thanks a Million" campaign specifically aimed at our Military Veterans in October 2025. This will also be open to our Carers, Emergency Services and NHS heroes.

Furthermore, David and Optical Express have provided sponsorship for numerous young athletes and sports men and women over the years.

This financial support enables them to enhance their professional opportunities and develop their athletic abilities, whilst inspiring other young people in sport. We believe physical and mental health and well-being go hand in hand.

Current projects include working alongside CHAS (Children’s Hospices Across Scotland) to host a Gala Ball in 2026 to aid their fundraising efforts. The Moulsdale Foundation also supports and is in partnership with the Erskine Hospital Charity to assist them in the incredible work they do in supporting our Military Veterans, as well as working with Sense Scotland and many others.

Discussions are also now underway with Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity about how the Moulsdale Foundation can support them in their vital work for Children with Cancer and other life threatening challenges.

Motorsport

As keen motorsport enthusiasts, David and his son Angus purchased Larkhall Circuit in January 2019 and invested over £3.5 million in the facility that included a 440 meter extension, widening and resurfacing of the track and over 3 acres of paddock drainage, tarmac, power hookups, floodlights and Wi-Fi. They substantially improved safety upgrades and improved off-track facilities. The track celebrated its official reopening in July 2019, by hosting an event with Formula 1 legend Sir Jackie Stewart, OBE 

In support of Sir Jackie's 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.

F1 and Indy 500 legends Dario Franchitti, Marino Franchitti and their parents Marina and George Franchitti, Paul Stewart, Damon Hill and the late Gil de Ferron were also present on the day. It was a very special occasion on the 19th of July 2019.

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 host major International karting events.

Larkhall Circuit International is one of only two tracks in the UK to hold a CIK-FIA licence. This FIA licence is the culmination of the significant investment in the venue, safety and technical design of the track by the Moulsdale Family.

There are many incredibly talented 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 and renaissance of this iconic landmark as a Train Engineering, Manufacturing, Maintenance and Repair Depot. This is happening now!

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 and legacy of Railway Engineering and Mechanical 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, coach builders, 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. This will breathe new life into the Scottish economy, something David is extremely passionate about. David is incredibly motivated on this project as so many people during his childhood worked there.

David believes that the North of Glasgow and in fact the whole of Scotland and the UK can benefit from this resurgence of activity at “The Caley”

Renewable Energy

As part of the Moulsdale Investments Family Office, they have a commitment to minimise the environmental impact of the eye care sector and all of the sectors they are invested in.

The Moulsdale Investments Family Office intend to decarbonise the numerous and diverse companies which the Family Office 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 renewable energy facilities, including data centres 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 and wider Family Office businesses achieve David’s net zero ambitions, by 2030.

In addition, David 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 Family Office 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 2 kilometres into the railway sheds.

David, together with Executive Leadership at Gibson's Engineering, Fraser and Dougie Gibson, believes this will be a huge advantage for winning contracts and also having an approved 13 mile test track in Ayrshire for the rolling stock to be tested and safe, before going live.

Property, Leisure and Tourism

David and his Family Office own an extensive portfolio of commercial, residential, office and industrial property across the UK.

This includes 200 SVS Conference & Events, a 70,000 sq ft luxury 5-star 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 charitable receptions and events, such as the Race Against Dementia Gala Dinner, which raised over £150,000 for Sir Jackie Stewart, OBE’s charity and was attended by prestigious guests including Sir Jackie Stewart, OBE and Scotland’s then First Minister

The 200 SVS 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. All funds raised were paid to Glasgow Art Club at Lord Macfarlane’s choice. This was over £100,000. Lord Norman MacFarlane was one of David’s greatest mentors and influences on his life.

Leisure and Tourism

David is also a major supporter of Scotland’s leisure and tourism sector. He and his Family Office own property, visitor sites and developments within Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park (LLTNP), helping to make this outstanding landscape accessible to visitors. They are working with Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park (LLTNP) to develop a Master Plan for the Tarbet, Arrochar and Ardlui area which have declined significantly over the last 30 years. David has owned a house there for almost 30 years and also owns numerous development sites in the area.

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, this award was 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 the University of Stirling alongside Sir Jackie Stewart, OBE and they would go on to lecture together to post graduates and other students.

“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

☆☆☆☆☆

“David Moulsdale has transformed Optical Express into a leading Eye Care Provider, improving the vision and lives of millions of patients. His input, and that of the Optical Express International Medical Advisory Board (IMAB) have transformed the global Ophthalmology industry. His impact has been, and continues to be far greater than just Eye Care. He is passionate about the environment and educating others on the impact of the Eye Care industry on our planet. Through the Moulsdale Foundation David supports many amazing charities. This is only the beginning for David and his team.”

Andrew I. Chang, Chief Commercial Officer, BVI

☆☆☆☆☆

“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

☆☆☆☆☆

“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, 23 years