About Us
Since opening our doors in 1987, Crystal Optometry has been a trusted name in Edinburgh eyecare. Founded by David and Dorothy Crystal, the practice quickly earned a reputation for clinical excellence, attention to detail, and the kind of personal service that keeps generations of families coming back.
The Story of Crystal Optometry
From the very beginning, our focus has been simple: to combine thorough, expert eyecare with an approachable, patient-first approach. Over the years, we’ve cared for thousands of eyes and built strong relationships within our local community.
Nestled in the vibrant Canonmills area, our practice is surrounded by independent shops, artisan makers, and cosy cafés, a perfect reflection of our own values: independent, distinctive, and always personal.
A New Chapter in Eyecare
In 2024, we began an exciting new chapter. Our new director and optometrist, Neil Gray, joined fellow optometrist Tracey Cook to lead the practice into its next era. Together, they bring a wealth of clinical knowledge and a shared passion for delivering the highest standard of care.
Supporting them is our warm and talented front-of-house team, Fran, Karla, and Nena, here to make every visit smooth, friendly, and enjoyable.
Meet the Team
Neil Gray
Optometrist & Director
Glasgow-born Neil Gray joined Crystal Optometry as a director and optometrist, in January 2025, bringing a wealth of experience from his previous roles, most recently at Ayrshire-based Urquhart Opticians.
He gained his independent prescriber qualification in 2019 and has specialist experience in diabetic eye disease and low vision assessments. Neil enjoys utilising the technology he has available at his fingertips, to provide the most accurate picture of patients’ eyes and consequently finding the best outcomes for them.
Supervising optometrists and dispensing opticians allows Neil to share his learnings, whilst sitting on the board of Optometry Scotland allows him to help shape the future of the industry. In the practice, he is relishing the opportunity to help further develop the talented team, broadening their knowledge and skill-set.
Outside of work he is usually found on the golf course, having maintained an impressive scratch handicap for over a decade. He travels the world with his fiancé ticking off their 'bucket list' courses. When you meet Neil, do take note of his footwear… he loves collecting shoes and at one point had over 70 pairs, however the local charity shop has benefitted as he has condensed his collection in recent times.
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Tracey Reid
Optometrist
Tracey is an experienced optometrist, having cared for patients’ eyes for over 30 years. Since gaining a first-class honours degree from The University of Manchester, she has worked in independently owned practices, primarily in Edinburgh.
She has a strong professional and clinical ethos with real attention to detail in everything she does. In particular, she is very experienced in fitting contact lenses, selecting the right lens for the patient, as well as having specialist knowledge in monitoring for glaucoma. As an independent prescriber (IP qualified) Tracey is able to treat anterior eye conditions, whilst taking a holistic approach, looking at a patient’s wider health, including how medications may interact with their vision, to provide the best possible care.
During COVID, Tracey worked in Edinburgh’s emergency eye clinic, providing eye care to those who wouldn’t have otherwise been able to access it, and she also vaccinated in clinics during the outbreak.
Tracey is a family orientated person regularly helping at her daughter’s swim club. She also enjoys planting and harvesting her vegetable plot in her garden, pilates and skiing in the winter months.
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Francesca Nicholson
Dispensing optician
Fran is our dispensing optician at the practice having studied for her BSc Ophthalmic Dispensing at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, graduating with a first-class honours degree in 2020. From there she worked as a dispensing optician in her hometown of Newcastle upon Tyne.
As a dispensing optician she loves combining fashion and function, helping people choose the perfect frame and being able to give expert recommendations on lenses as well. She is loving getting to know our wonderful patients here at the practice and introducing new eyewear brands which have already been a huge hit.
Outside of work she enjoys exploring Edinburgh and the Lothians, showing around friends and family when they visit.
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Karla Wood
Trainee dispensing optician
Karla joined Crystal Optometry in early 2024 after starting her career in optics with another independent optometry practice here in Edinburgh. With a degree in Medical Sciences, Karla studied neuroscience as part of her degree, which led her to develop a real interest in eyes.
She is especially interested in the clinical side of the practice, seeing the positive impact that a visit to the optometrist can bring to so many.
Originally from the Philippines, prior to joining the practice Karla managed a speciality coffee shop and also worked in events management. In her spare time, she enjoys using her creativity, painting and doing ceramics.
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What We Offer
Once your eye examination is complete, our collection of frames is waiting to be explored. From bold, colourful styles to understated classics, every frame we stock is chosen for its quality, comfort, and character.
Discover our eyewear range.
We provide a full range of services to keep your vision clear and your eyes healthy, including:
- Comprehensive eye examinations, NHS-funded in Scotland with enhanced technology available.
- Contact lens fittings for all prescriptions and lifestyles.
- Specialist clinical tests including OCT scanning and glaucoma screening.
Alongside our clinical services, we’ve brought a fresh focus to our eyewear collection, a carefully curated range from independent brands such as WOOW, Kaleos, Prodesign Denmark, Morel, Woody’s, and Ørgreen. From bold colours to minimalist elegance, our frames are chosen for their quality, comfort, and individuality.
Looking Ahead
While our team may be new, our values remain the same, clinical excellence, genuine care, and eyewear that makes you feel great. We’re proud to carry forward the Crystal Optometry legacy and excited to welcome both familiar faces and new patients through our doors.
We Look Forward to Seeing You
Whether you’re due an eye examination, curious about contact lenses, or searching for glasses you’ll love wearing, we’re here to help.
Book your appointment online now with MySight.
