The chief executive of Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans is stepping down from the top job after four years.
Mark O’Donnell will stay in his post overseeing the sight-loss charities until October, when he will take on a “challenging new consultancy role”, a spokesperson said.
The charities said O’Donnell and his executive team had overseen the establishment of new community support services and specialist education outreach in mainstream schools to significantly expand Sight Scotland’s reach.
He was also key in relaunching the charities last year after they rebranded from Royal Blind and Scottish War Blinded, they said in a statement.
O’Donnell said: “The pandemic has been an extremely difficult time for all charities and the people who rely on our services, but our staff have risen to this challenge to ensure we can continue our vital support even while restrictions have been in place.
“It has been a difficult decision to move on to a new role, but I am pleased that, as I do so, Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans are in a stronger position to support many more people with sight loss in the future.”
Michael Craig, chair of Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, said the charities had emerged stronger under O’Donnell’s leadership.
“The board is grateful to Mark for all he has done to ensure we are ready for the future, with new names, a new vision and a new strategy to ensure we can provide support for more people with sight loss in communities across Scotland,” said Craig.