Crystal Optometry

I've been going to Crystal Optometry for over five years now, and I'm always impressed by the excellence in eyecare, Derek, David and Dorothy offer. The additional measures taken since the start of the COVID pandemic, only confirm this. Every visit has been a positive experience. There's also a great selection of frames and lenses in store.

I needed to see an optometrist about a painful eye infection. I've recently moved to North Edinburgh, and having two young children means it's awkward to cross the city to my childhood optician in Morningside. My attempts to book an appointment at Crystal Optometry via phone were consistently met with a message asking me to call back in 15 minutes.

With no online option to book, I decided to walk to the business instead. There was a queue outside - disgruntled customers complaining that their appointment had been forgotten - but they directed me inside. Once inside, a short man arrived breathing heavily, flapping his arms, saying I couldn't be there. I was ushered outside. After a brief, clipped conversation, I realised this man was overwhelmed and incapable of a rational discussion, so I left. Instead, I walked to Boots.

Within minutes of speaking to someone there, I was seen by a pharmacist, who referred to an optician, and I was given medicated drops. I was told if things didn't improve, they could refer me elsewhere. This review is not based on the service provided by Crystal Optometry. From what I briefly saw, their store looked impeccable, and other reviews suggest this is a great optician.

I will also caveat that a bold sign on the door informs that you are necessitated to have an appointment, but people standing in front of this and massively reduced vision meant I did not see this before entry. I was wrong when I mistakenly entered the store against their very valid policy. However, the panicked nature of the chap I encountered, along with a response of 'but we're here' when I mentioned I'd been unable to book an appointment on the phone, was remarkable myopic. I went elsewhere and will now not use them in the future. Luckily for me, there is not a shortage of independent optometrists in Stockbridge.

Crystal Optometry, thank you very much for your quick response and professional assistance during my emergency appointment. The service was great. I really appreciate your help. Thank you.

I had a wonderful experience when attending Crystal Optometry for my routine eye examination. The place is very clean and pleasant, good Covid-safety measures in place, the staff is polite and friendly. I had not had my eyes tested in years! David is very professional and carried out a thorough examination while also explaining things to me. Thank you for your time and for providing a fantastic service.

I'm a more-than-happy regular customer of David Crystal; in addition to the usual (spectacles to correct for myopia, presbyopia, and astigmatism) I have a history of retinal damage and risk factors for further damage-retinitis pigmentosa and severe tunnel vision in one eye, a surgically-repaired detached retina in the other, and type II diabetes. On a Friday afternoon during COVID19 lockdown I noticed a worrying visual disturbance in one eye, and emailed the practice outside working hours.

I wasn't expecting a response before the following week (when they reopen): much less to be called in for a 10am emergency exam on Saturday morning! But that's what I got, and David systematically worked through a differential diagnosis to rule out an opthalmic emergency requiring immediate hospital admission-without charge, largely for his own (and my) peace of mind. I can't praise the Crystal's highly enough: they're the most professional and highest quality of care opthalmology practice I've ever been treated by.

Hi Dorothy, Crystal Optometry I was reflecting on my recent experience with you regarding contact lenses and felt compelled to share that in my 22 years purchasing glasses and 15 years purchasing contacts I've never felt so deliberately deceived. This sentiment is so incredibly counter to my experience living here in Scotland, where I've found the people and businesses to be so remarkably honest, kind, and helpful, that I felt compelled to leave a review for the first time in my life. Coming from the U.S.

I wasn't aware that I didn't need an up to date prescription to order new contact lenses here in the U.K. You insisted on numerous occasions that the system was similar, pushed me to make an appointment, and went through a full onboarding process in which I stated multiple times that I had no intention to change the brand, and no inclination that my prescription would need adjustment.

We made an appointment to which you outlined an astronomical cost of 80 for a contact lens assessment to which is more than DOUBLE the high-end estimate for an appointment according to the BCLA (they state a 15-40 range). Fortunately a friend informed me I was being duped, pointed me to Vision Direct, and when I wrote an almost apologetic cancellation email to you explaining my embarrassment and error you simply replied "no worries" without any explanation or justification for why you were leading me astray.

What a horrible feeling indifference is. Now I bare some responsibility for not doing my research and trusting you blindly, I got a bit too comfortable dealing with the wonderful Scottish businesses I've encountered and felt I could almost innately trust you. It hasn't shifted that assessment at all, but I want future customers and you to reflect on my experience. Always better to be honest than to make a buck. Take care, Garrett

I attended Mr Crystal today and although I had no eye problems and it was a routine check or so I thought I noticed a problem with my right eye on my way for my consultation. Mr Crystal was great. I should mention he discovered I had cataracts in both eyes on my first visit to him 4 years ago. Today he has now referred me again tk the eye pavillion as an issue has resulted in my right eye. So once again thank you Mr Crystal for your great care. Mrs Crystal is always so welcoming and friendly.

Since lockdown, I have been experiencing ongoing eye issues. Within minutes of explaining these with Dorothy, a zoom eye examination was arranged with David, my problems diagnosed and treatment was given, both verbally and in writing. In the couple of weeks following this call, David has given me the most outstanding continued advice. Although a private practice, I have been seen as an NHS patient and the service I have received has been over and above the call of duty. Crystal Optometry's care and attention has been extraordinary.

I have Ommetaphobia (fear of eyes) and it's always been an issue for me to go to the optician. I was terrified, I usually faint and shake very badly, but the doctor here was amazing. She talked me trough every step of the procedure and she spend so much extra time just be sure that everything was not overwhelming for me, and on my own pace. This is the firs time in two decades I went to the opticians and I was calm after. Absolutely recommend them for everything, amazing.

I have had problems with prescription spectacles for many years. Crystal optometry sorted out the problem on my first visit three years ago I have wasted hundreds of pounds with other opticians and David sorted the problem when other eye professionals could not. A big thank you to all the team who are so professional and helpful i would not go anywhere else for eyecare now Thanks for your outstanding care

Empathetic caring optometrists who deliver high quality meticulous care using high tech kit, not forgetting their fabulous after care service.

Very friendly and helpful staff. State of the art technology. Crystal Optometry works with Sea2See, a sustainable initiative to provide glasses and protect the oceans. Oh, and I got a lovely pair of well fitting glasses! Smart and affordable.

While living in Edinburgh, I stopped by Crystal Optometrists to try and find some frames. Everyone there was so helpful, and very informative, about what could work for me. Unfortunately, I moved away so never got a set of frames from them, but their customer service and knowledge was so fantastic that I had to leave a review. They really jumped through hoops to try and help me, but without putting on the pressure of trying to sell me something (which seems to be everywhere these days!). Thank you to the team for your excellent service!

I flew over to Edinburgh for a vacation and my eyes were very red and sore after the long flight and did not get any better for several days. The pharmacist told me I should see an optometrist and recommended Crystal Optometry. I got an appointment with them and they were amazing! Very helpful, friendly, and efficient. I can't speak highly enough of this place!

I went for my first appointment with Crystal Optometry today and I can't recommend them highly enough! Dorothy carried out my eye test and was incredibly kind and reassuring with my concerns about my eye health. Her knowledge and deep scientific interest in optometry was very enjoyable to listen to and watch in practice. I immediately felt that my eyes were in good hands. It was the most thorough and illuminating eye test I've ever had. I won't trust anyone else with my eyes.

Having become quite disillusioned with my current prescription not feeling right and my frames not feeling comfortable I did some research and was impressed with the reviews. Having had my first visit this morning I so impressed with the level of detail and technology not to mention understanding that was shown. Crystal Optometry is light and day in the way they care for your eyes. I can whole heartedly recommend them. Eye care is so important so for me I wouldn't know go anywhere else and have already this morning recommended to 4 people.

David is definitely one of the most advanced optometrists in the country and leads the way with new technology. My family all appreciate the care and attention we receive.

An outstanding optometrist who really keeps on top of new research and changing technology. Cured me of a condition that all others said I would have for life and has really improved my quality of life- thank you!

I have a very tricky prescription and don't find I get the right level of care from high street opticians. I was referred to Crystal Optometry by our landlord and was very impressed by David's knowledge, professionalism and service - excellent optometrist!!

Dorothy has been taking care of my son's sight for at least eight years now. Expert care and understanding of my son's visual stress condition (Irlens syndrome) and I would not trust any other optometrist with my family's eyesight. Brilliant service and fantastic value for money.

Having become quite disillusioned with my current prescription not feeling right and my frames not feeling comfortable I did some research and was impressed with the reviews. Having had my first visit this morning I so impressed with the level of detail and technology not to mention understanding that was shown. Crystal Optometry is light and day in the way they care for your eyes. I can whole heartedly recommend them. Eye care is so important so for me I wouldn't know go anywhere else and have already this morning recommended to 4 people.

While living in Edinburgh, I stopped by Crystal Optometrists to try and find some frames. Everyone there was so helpful, and very informative, about what could work for me. Unfortunately, I moved away so never got a set of frames from them, but their customer service and knowledge was so fantastic that I had to leave a review. They really jumped through hoops to try and help me, but without putting on the pressure of trying to sell me something (which seems to be everywhere these days!). Thank you to the team for your excellent service!