Meet the Team – Sid Maher
25 July 2024
Problem solving, finding solutions and having a positive impact on someone’s life were the most appealing parts of a career within optometry for LOCSU’s newest advancement lead, Sid Maher.
“Knowing that I can make a positive difference to somebody, however small, is my favourite part of my job.”
After studying marketing at Birmingham City University – which included an exchange year in Cyprus with mandatory Greek classes – Sid worked in a variety of marketing roles. “I worked in the industry in various roles, however during the credit crisis of 2008, I found myself between jobs and started temping at Specsavers. I found it really rewarding and then applied for my first practice manager role before studying with ABDO to become a Dispensing Optician (DO).”
After working across a number of multiples, supermarket chains and independents, Sid’s experience has provided him with a great working knowledge on patient demographics, services offered by different practices and how different optical business models operate.
It was while working for an Oxford University spin out project called Oxsight that Sid found his passion for low vision. “I really felt the value a DO could bring to low vision patients.”
After he finished work on the project, Sid worked one day a week for a local sight loss charity in Worcestershire, running low vision clinics for five years and completing his professional certificate in low vision with Cardiff University. It was due to this interest in low vision that Sid got involved with his local LOC.
“I approached Gloucestershire LOC in 2020 to discuss the idea of low vision services in in Gloucestershire, after having delivered funded services in Worcestershire, as I was passionate about trying to build a business case for commissioned services. This was after huge demand during lockdown from low vision patients who were stuck at home without low vision aids in the county. I saw the need after visiting a low vision patient in their home during the pandemic.
“I started collaborating with the chair on this project and attended some LOC meetings on that basis. It turned out they were a great bunch of people with an amazing skill set. I felt I could fit in with marketing and communications skills and was lucky enough for them to take me on!”
Sid is married and is a proud dad of two girls. When not spending time with his girls, Sid loves watching movies and plays a few instruments.
“Before kids I was lucky enough to have travelled extensively, (as far as Fiji!) before settling down. I love humour and stand up comedy, I think it’s a great way to relax. Most of all though, I enjoy spending time with my kids.”
Finally, when asked who has inspired him, Sid replied: “As cheesy as it sounds, I am inspired by my parents and family in my personal life. In my professional life, I am inspired by my Gloucestershire LOC colleagues – they have a wealth of experience and are just a great bunch of progressive people.”