Time for your eyes.
An independent optometrist on Goldenacre Terrace, where an eye examination still takes as long as it takes.
One practice. One hundred and thirty-eight years.
For almost 140 years, Rodger & Smalridge has been part of the local community, caring for generations of patients and their families. That history brings something increasingly rare: continuity of care, a team who take the time to get to know you, and a genuine understanding of your eye health over time.
Four kinds of care, under one roof.
Eye Examinations
Eyewear
Contact Lenses
Hearing Care
Long appointment times for unhurried care
Your eyes are the only place in the body where nerves and blood vessels can be seen directly. Read alongside a record that often began with a grandparent, they say a great deal about the rest of you.
Frames chosen one at a time.
Well-made, comfortable eyewear at a range of price points. We choose our frames carefully, with a focus on quality, fit and styles that you'll enjoy wearing every day.
For the days your glasses would only get in the way.
Most people who gave up on lenses were simply never fitted properly. We measure first, teach handling patiently, and follow up until they are genuinely comfortable.
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Now looking after the other senses too.
Hearing tends to go quietly, and it is rarely the person affected who notices first. In partnership with Hear Always, our audiologist works from the same consulting rooms.
Your local optometrist since 1888
Rodger & Smalridge has been caring for patients since 1888 and has been part of the Inverleith community since 1952. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of looking after generations of the same families, in some cases spanning four generations.
the people
You will see the same faces next time.
A team of four of us who live locally as well.
Sam Philips
Sam Philips joined Rodger & Smalridge as the new lead optometrist in April 2025, also becoming a director of the practice. George and Lyn’s retirement left big shoes to fill, and we were delighted to have someone of Sam’s calibre to do just that.
Originally from County Durham, Sam began his career in high street practices and also provided eye care to housebound individuals. An experienced eye care professional, Sam has additional qualifications in glaucoma, retinal conditions and paediatric eye care, he also has a special interest in managing dry eye. All of which will be invaluable to our patients. A true problem solver, Sam is passionate about spending time with each patient to get to the root of their issues and create a path forward. He finds immense satisfaction in improving a patient's sight and overall quality of life.
When he’s not examining eyes, Sam can be found under the sea, as a scuba diving enthusiast, braving the North Sea all year round. He’s looking forward to lunchtime wandering in the Botanics and familiarising himself with the local cafes, with initial favourites including Pablo Eggsgobao and Krem Karamel.
Cameron Frost
Cameron brings over a decade of experience managing a range of busy high street optical practices. Looking for a more personal, community-focused environment, he was thrilled to join Rodger & Smalridge and the independent practice that felt like the perfect fit.
Since stepping into his role at the Inverleith practice, Cameron has relished the opportunity to truly connect with patients, something that was often a challenge in the larger, fast-paced high street opticians. Known for his warm, approachable nature, he’s quickly become a familiar face in the neighbourhood and is often spotted catching up with patients during strolls through the Botanics on his lunch break.
Cameron has a special interest in contact lenses and takes great care to ensure his patients feel confident and comfortable with their fit. He also has a keen eye for eyewear styling and enjoys helping patients find frames they love. His current brand of choice being the ultra-lightweight, effortlessly stylish Louis Marcel range.
Outside of work, Cameron is a devoted football fan and can often be found cheering from the terraces. He also treasures time spent with his daughter.
Julie Smart
With over 35 years of experience in the optical industry, Julie has developed a deep and diverse understanding of the profession. She began her career in private practice and has since explored a wide range of roles, including time in the corporate eyecare sector, locuming across the UK, and even working as a frame rep, gaining valuable insight from both sides of the dispensing table. From Covent Garden to Wick, her career has taken her the length and breadth of the country. Her wealth of knowledge has been a fantastic asset to Rodger & Smalridge.
Now happily settled at the practice, Julie is thrilled to be focusing on her true passion: dispensing. She takes great pride in helping patients find frames that perfectly suit their face, lifestyle, and personality, balancing fit, style, and colour with ease. Her current favourite brand is Stepper, known for its superb quality and timeless-to-modern range, while she’s also enjoying working with the bold, fashion-forward styles of the newest addition to the practice, Carolina Herrera.
A lover of iconic eyewear, Julie has amassed quite the collection over the years. She finds it fascinating to see styles come full circle, with vintage influences making their way back into fashion.
Outside of the practice, Julie finds peace in her Inverleith garden, where she nurtures her plants and watches the local wildlife flourish. Despite being in the heart of the city, her garden welcomes foxes, badgers, squirrels, and a wide variety of birds. She especially enjoys feeding her feathered visitors, so much so that the oversized bird bath in her garden has been nicknamed the Commonwealth Pool by her partner.
Julia Milhevic
Originally from Canada, Julia brings a wealth of experience as an optical assistant . After relocating to Scotland to pursue a master's degree in literature, she has decided to continue working in the optical field. Passionate about eyewear and optical care, she is eager to contribute to our team and help provide top-notch service to our patients.
As the first point of contact for many of our patients, Julia thrives on creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for everyone who walks through our doors. She enjoys building relationships with patients and ensuring their eyecare needs are met with the utmost care and professionalism.
When it comes to eyewear, Julia’s favourite brand is Calvin Klein. As someone who struggles to find frames herself, she was impressed with the diverse selection of frames that the practice offers. She loves helping others find great eyewear as she appreciates it can be a challenge!
When Julia isn’t helping patients, you can find her reading books, writing, or playing guitar and piano. An all-around creative, Julia brings a fresh perspective and energy to the team. She loves the local area, wandering around the Botanics, as well as walking around the streets admiring the architecture, as well as some beautiful private gardens along the way.
Come and see us.
Phone us and we will find a time that suits you. Or book online in your own time.