SCOTLAND star Scott McTominay paid a surprise visit to a Glasgow primary school prior to starring in the Tartan Army’s Euro 2024 adventure to send an important message about contact lenses.
The Manchester United midfielder, who is currently in action for his country in Germany and scored in Scotland’s 1-1 draw with Switzerland, visited Riverbank Primary School in Glasgow’s East End to spread awareness about the benefits and safe use of contact lenses.
A contact lens user himself, Scott enjoyed the special day, arranged by Specsavers as a part of their sponsorship of the Scotland National Team, joining in with fun sports day activities, including races and a football egg and spoon race, to show how lenses helped him on his journey to become a professional footballer.
Discussing his own need for contacts, Scott says: ‘I wore glasses at school but didn’t wear them as much as I should. Then at 15, I switched to contact lenses, and it truly transformed my life—especially on the pitch.
‘If I did try to play sports in them I did sometimes find it a little bit difficult. That’s why the contact lenses have made a huge difference – as soon as I got used to putting them in it did genuinely change my life.
‘I had a great day with the kids, sharing my experiences. It’s important for me to do what I can to help younger generations.’
Scott’s need for contacts is well documented – during a recent Champions League match, McTominay faced an unusual challenge. After an accidental collision with Neymar, he lost a lens, leaving him partially sighted. Needing a clean face and hands to safely put in a fresh contact lens, Scott had to see out the first half using just one eye.
Speaking about the experience, he adds: ‘I panicked a bit and I didn’t know what to do. To change them, you need clean hands and a clean face, so I rushed in during half-time to wash.
“It’s probably the craziest experience I’ve had on a football field. We’ll have to review the footage to see if there were any wayward passes!
‘Genuinely, having contact lenses is my superpower because if I didn’t have them, and playing at the elite standard of football that I play in, I wouldn’t be able to play.
‘Glasses are amazing and I love winding down in the evening in them, but the contact lenses are a game changer. They open so many doors in my life and I wouldn’t be in this position today if I didn’t have them.
‘Your eyesight should never hold you back from doing anything that you love.’
Delighted to have Scott visit the school, head teacher Tommy Hynes says: ‘Having such an inspirational figure and leader as Scott visit the school was a special moment for the pupils.
‘It was heartening to hear his tales of overcoming his eyesight to become a professional footballer and he was fantastic with the children on the day as we conducted a mini sports day.
‘We wish Scott and the rest of the Scotland team all the very best at the Euros.’
For more information about Specsavers’ contact lenses and to book a free contact lens trial visit: https://www.specsavers.co.uk/offers/try-contact-lenses-free
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