Nurse to lead RNIB Scotland

A nurse and former Scottish government adviser has been appointed director of the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) Scotland.

Campbell Chalmers, who worked as a stroke nurse consultant for NHS Lanarkshire and trained in learning disability and adult nursing, took up his role with the charity which supports blind and partially sighted people today (Monday). 

Mr Chalmers has worked in healthcare and the voluntary sector for 30 years and was previously director for the charity Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland. He has been a member of the heart disease and stroke cross-party group at the Scottish parliament and an adviser to the Scottish government.

There are more than 180,000 people in Scotland living with significant sight loss, a figure which RNIB Scotland warns will increase due to an ageing population unless preventative measures are taken.

Mr Chalmers, who is studying for a Doctor of Nursing qualification at the University of Stirling, led the development of a stroke visual pathway in Lanarkshire for people who experience eye problems after a stroke.

He said: ‘I am delighted to be joining the RNIB Scotland team to work with members and staff to support children, young people and adults with sight loss to live full and independent lives, and work with others to help minimise preventable sight loss.’