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 with optometrist Tracey Cook leading the delivery of eye care to patients across Edinburgh and the Lothians. Her wealth of clinical knowledge and passion for delivering the highest standard of care ensures her patients have complete confidence in the care they receive.
Our warm and talented front-of-house team, Fran, Karla, and Emma, are here to make every visit smooth, friendly, and enjoyable.
Meet the Team
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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Emma Edwards
Optical Assistant
Originally from Leicester, Emma moved to Edinburgh to study at Queen Margaret University, where she graduated in Costume Design and Construction. Her creative background has given her a strong eye for detail, colour and personal style, skills that translate beautifully into helping patients choose eyewear that feels both comfortable and confidence boosting.
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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.
