LOCAL OPTOMETRISTS IN INVERLEITH, EDINBURGH

At Rodger & Smalridge Optometrist, we provide a wide array of eye care services tailored to your needs. Our practice is dedicated to delivering exceptional professional care, utilising the latest technology and offering eyewear that perfectly suits your preferences.

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WELCOME TO RODGER & SMALRIDGE

Situated in Inverleith on Goldenacre Terrace, just north of the city centre, Rodger & Smalridge Optometrist has been your trusted eyecare provider in Edinburgh since 1888. Visit us for friendly service from an experienced team, who are passionate about providing exceptional eyecare for the whole family.

opticians front door

We’re proud to be an independent opticians dedicated to providing exceptional eye care with a personal touch. Based in the heart of Inverleith, our local community, we combine clinical expertise with friendly, tailored service to ensure your vision is in the best hands.

Being independent means we’re free to put your needs first — offering honest advice, a wide range of frames to suit every style and budget, and the latest in eye care technology. Whether you're here for a routine eye test, specialist advice, or help choosing your perfect pair of glasses, our experienced team is here to help every step of the way.

We believe in building lasting relationships with our patients — many of whom have trusted us with their eye care for generations. Your vision matters to us, and we’re here to help you see the world more clearly.

MEET OUR TEAM

Our friendly team at Rodger & Smallridge.

Sam Philips - optometrist

Sam Philips

OPTOMETRIST

Sam Philips joined Rodger & Smalridge as the new lead optometrist in April 2025. 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.

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Julie Smart - Dispenser

Julie Smart

DISPENSER

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 thedispensing 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.

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Cameron Frost - Practice Manager

Cameron Frost

PRACTICE MANAGER

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.

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VISIT OUR PRACTICE

1 Goldenacre Terrace,
Edinburgh, EH3 5QP

Monday

9am - 5:00pm

Tuesday

9am - 5:00pm

Wednesday

9am - 5:00pm

Thursday

9am - 5:00pm

Friday

9am - 5:00pm

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

TESTIMONIALS

"They were so professional here. They were really helpful and accommodating for my child. They doesn’t time explaining and reassuring. Would recommend and will be back."

-Jacqueline Capel

"My first eye exam and I'm in my 40's - superb experience, and thanks to the NHS in Scotland: free!I came here for simplicity sake as I live less than 100 metres away. The appointment was available within a week and I was seen on time. The exam took less time than I was told it would, but it was incredibly thorough. They took their time to explain to me their methodology and the outcomes.Really pleased with the care and professionalism exhibited, and they're happy with a good bit of chat as well - very humorous and warm place.Turns out I didn't need specs but ... if I do, I'll be coming here."

- Kenny McCartney

"I would recommend Rodger & Smalridge highly. I feel I'm in good hands there, and it's a pleasure to have a check-up."

- David Sterratt

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Book your eye test with one of our specialists today.

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