Obituary: Tom McCabe

Optometry Scotland has paid tribute to Scottish politician Tom McCabe who died last month at the age of 60 following a prolonged illness.

He was a well-known politician to many who were involved with Optometry Scotland during the formative years, a statement said.

As health minister in 2001 he was credited as the key driver for change within eye care and galvanised cross party opinion within the health committee to accept the argument for the development of community-based care.

Optometrist Frank Munro, on behalf of Optometry Scotland, said: ‘He was, without doubt, a tough, driven individual but ultimately a good team player and this is recognised by the effectiveness of his policy portfolio consistently passing the cross-party committee systems in Holyrood.