LOCAL OPTOMETRISTS IN INVERLEITH, EDINBURGH

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.

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.

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.