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Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 5pm

BirrellRainford Opticians

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Edinburgh
BirrellRainford Opticians

Bespoke opticians taking time and care with your eyes. We are an independent optical practice operating in the heart of the West End of Edinburgh.

If you are looking for a high standard of professional care and advice,
combined with the latest in affordable,modern frames or contact lenses then you need to come to speak to us. We have extensive experience with children s eye care and specialize in dealing with visual aspects of reading difficulties including binocular instability and visual stress. We promise to look after all your eye care needs. We are confident that you will enjoy our friendly practice.

10/07/2025

♻️ Great to see so many patients making use of our recycling box. Please bring in like lenses and packaging and we will send them off to a specialist recycling company for you.

03/07/2025

MEET THE TEAM

Our optical manager and dispensing optician, Daniel, moved to Edinburgh from Shewsbury in his teenage years, and now calls Edinburgh home. After gaining an honours degree in business management in 2011, he fell into optics and went on to qualify as a dispensing optician and has never looked back.

He loves the variety that his role brings, meeting an array of different people with varying requirements, working with them to find the right solution for their individual needs. The fact that patients regularly pop in to let him know how things are going, makes the job incredibly rewarding.

When he has time off, he always looks for opportunities to explore new countries. He took time out to travel around the world over 10 years ago, which gave him the bug, most recently he traveled around South East Asia. His current tally is 35 countries visited, with a target of 40 by the time he reaches 40. Dad of Daisy, he loves exploring the local parks with her, and also enjoys playing pool and badminton.

30/06/2025

SCHOOL'S OUT FOR SUMMER☀️

Time to book your child's eye examination. Children should have an eye examination from their pre-school year so if you have little ones starting school in August, please get them booked in over the summer.

If your child requires their annual check it’s the perfect opportunity to get them booked.

27/06/2025

Happy National Sunglasses Day! 😎☀️

Today is a day to celebrate and raise awareness about the significance of wearing sunglasses to shield our eyes from harmful UV rays.
Our team member, James, has arrived at work equipped with some fashionable shades.

Whether you are at the beach, hiking, or just enjoying the great outdoors, sunglasses are an essential accessory for protecting your eyes.

24/06/2025

We are thrilled to share some exciting news.👀😲😲

We have officially introduced our own Birrell Rainford cleaning sprays designed specifically for your glasses.

For just £4, you can enjoy unlimited refills as long as you retain the bottle.

Dirty lenses can lead to smudging and blurriness, which can hinder your ability to see clearly. Cleaning with a spray effectively eliminates these obstructions, enhancing your vision. Using the appropriate cleaner helps protect the anti-scratch and anti-reflective coatings.

18/06/2025

This month is Cataract Awareness Month. 🩵💙

As we grow older, our risk for eye conditions like cataract increases significantly and raising awareness of it is so important. These conditions can develop slowly and without obvious symptoms, until vision loss begins.

This month serves as a reminder to be aware of potential symptoms of cataracts, such as blurry vision and seeing halos around lights. The eye’s lens can become cloudy, resulting in blurred or fuzzy vision. This may make it difficult to see objects clearly, especially fine details or objects at a distance.

Early detection and treatment can prevent significant vision Loss.

11/06/2025

MEET THE TEAM

Next up in our newest member of the team, optical assistant, James Canham.

James joined the practice earlier this year having worked in optics since 2018. Prior to this, he studied English and History at the University of Strathclyde.

James enjoys working with people and finds real satisfaction in getting to know each individual and helping them find the perfect eyewear. He believes there's a frame for every face and a lens for every lifestyle. Among the eyewear brands the practice stocks, James is particularly fond of Tom Ford and Silhouette, both known for their stylish design and broad appeal.

Patient care is at the heart of everything James does. Whether it’s offering advice, making adjustments, carrying out repairs, or simply answering questions, he’s always happy to help and takes pride in making time for every patient.

James appreciates the community feel of the area, especially the variety of nearby independent businesses, perfect for lunch breaks, a bit of window-shopping, and getting to know other businesses in the bustling West End.

Outside of work, James enjoys reading and writing fiction, playing the guitar, cooking, and drawing.

05/06/2025

Did you know that we also take care of your ears? Have you noticed that your hearing isn't as sharp as it once was, or have your loved ones made some not-so-subtle remarks about your hearing? Take the plunge and schedule a complimentary hearing test today with our skilled audiologist, Christin.

Christin provides her services every second Monday at the practice. She offers a variety of services, including wax removal and a free NHS health check for your ears.

04/06/2025

MEET THE TEAM
Our next team member joined us last year as an optical assistant and has already built strong connections with our patients.

Alishbah has worked in optics for a number of years. Edinburgh born and bred, she has always had a passion for helping and caring for others, so it’s no wonder she is such a natural in her role. Having studied psychology and sociology, she understands people and goes out of her way to make sure they are always well looked after.

She has fantastic knowledge of eyewear brands, and knows what suits people, encouraging patients to experiment with new styles. Working in a smaller practice allows her to really get to know all of those who come through the doors, whilst being able to build her hands on experience across all areas of the business, from contact lenses to bespoke eyewear.

She loves being based on WIlliam Street enjoying all the local businesses and the community feel, in particular popping next door to Fox & Co to enjoy some of their fresh baking. Someone who appreciates the great outdoors, Alishbah enjoys keeping fit, in particular embracing the great outdoors hiking and walking across the Lothians and beyond. She also loves to see the world, travelling to new places whenever she can. When she’s at home, she can be found snuggling up with her cat, or spending time with friends and family.

27/05/2025

MEET THE TEAM
Next up in our Meet the Team series is Susan, a familiar and friendly face to many of our patients. As our trusted receptionist for over 10 years, Susan has built lasting relationships and truly enjoys connecting with everyone who walks through our doors or gives us a call. She's had the pleasure of getting to know entire families who’ve been part of our practice for many years.

Another invaluable member of the team, Susan helps to keep the practice running smoothly and ensures everyone who visits is well looked after.

Before starting her family, Susan had a successful career in retail banking in Edinburgh, Brighton and Bristol. In addition to her two children, she has a gorgeous cat called Mickey. She also enjoys tennis, ballroom dancing and sketching. Her love of travel, in particular to Spain, allows her to use her Spanish which she’s been learning for several years. She loves wandering along William Street, getting to know the other businesses.

21/05/2025

We had a brilliant night hosting an event at our neighbours, The Green Room Edinburgh. Fun trying frames and chatting about the latest trends. Thanks to those who came along, great company with lots of familiar faces from the West End.

Edinburgh's West End

Address

Edinburgh

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Website

http://www.birrellrainford.co.uk/

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