VisionPK has a knowledgeable and experienced Board overseeing all of the work we do. Find out more below.
Valerie Wares
We are delighted to have Valerie Wares as our Honorary President. Valerie has Macular Degeneration and is severely sight impaired. She is also Chair of the Macular Group in Perth.
Dr Beena Raschkes (Chair)
Beena joined VisionPK’s Board in 2019 and brings knowledge, skill and understanding of visual impairment from both a personal and professional perspective. She was a local GP for 17 years and has been visually impaired since 2014. Beena has continued to work since 2014, thanks to the help and advice given to her by VisionPK. Beena currently works as a GP in the out of hours service in NHS Tayside. Beena became Chair of the Board in November 2024
Sandy Pearson
Sandy has been involved with VisionPK for a number of years and was Chair of the Board up to November 2024. With a background in IT Sandy was asked to help with the Talking News service when they moved from tapes to CDs and went on to establish the digital recording of the Talking News. He also created recorded versions of such things as the newsletter and annual report for VisionPK. From there, he ended up producing the newsletter and creating the first web site for what was then Perth & Kinross Society for the Blind.
During his time as Chair, Sandy has seen significant changes including the introduction of the hearing loss services.
Clare Thomas
Clare has a background in mental health and has been involved with the Macular group in Perth for many years. Clare’s Mum was a GP and was diagnosed with Macular Degeneration causing her to lose her sight. Clare is passionate about ensuring services and support are equitable and accessible for people with sight loss.
David Willis
David is a clinical audiologist and practices throughout Scotland. He has a red fox Labrador and enjoys many local walks. David has extensive knowledge and good clinical background dealing with and understanding the requirement’s of people with hearing loss and for those who experience Tinnitus.
Alexander Chan
Alexander is retired and teaches Tai Chi, he also volunteers at VisionPK groups and is passionate about supporting people with sight and hearing loss and helping them engage with the local community.
Steven Thomson
Steven is a Chartered Surveyor and was initially involved with VisionPK as a project manager when we moved to George Street. Steven joined the board in 2025 and brings a wealth of experience including finance, property, business acumen, HR, Marketing. Steve has extended family members with sight/hearing loss and is interested in the services and support that VisionPK provide.
Charlotte Gunnion
Charlotte has worked in insurance for 20 years as a commercial broker and is Head of Service at Marsh Commercial in Perth. Charlotte attended the opening of the new sensory hub in George Street and was drawn by the passion of the VisionPK team and joined as a Trustee in Jan 2025. Charlotte brings commercial insight to Vision PK and perhaps a different point of view.
Jenna Glen
I was diagnosed with a degenerative sight condition as a teenager and bring lived experience of sensory loss to the board, and how this can impact a person’s daily life. Jenna believes that there are no barriers to achieving goals, only hurdles; and hurdles can be overcome with the right support and approach. Jenna wants to help others through their sensory loss journey, and support them to live their best life. She feels that VisionPK’s goals are a perfect fit to help the local community.
