Established in 2011, Birrell & Rainford is an independent optometrist located in the West End of Edinburgh.
We are passionate about our local community; find us on the beautiful, cobbled William Street, surrounded by quirky, boutique independent retailers, bars and restaurants.
We're close to the business district and in walking distance of Haymarket Station.
WHY BIRRELL & RAINFORD?
As an independent opticians, we offer a range of clinical services in a family-friendly environment.
We have a passion for optics and strive to provide a service that is tailored to each individual's needs. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care, giving our patients the best vision possible.
We have a wide range of contemporary frames and lenses, allowing us to provide a bespoke solution to your eyewear needs.
OUR TEAM
Brenda Rainford, optometrist
Having qualified as an optometrist in Ireland, Brenda has been practising in Scotland since 1987, working in hospitals and private practice. Over this time she has built up a loyal client base who appreciate her extensive optical expertise and professional and approachable manner.
With a specialist interest in paediatric optometry, Brenda has particular expertise in the areas of binocular vision, visual stress, and assessing methods of helping children who are experiencing reading difficulties.
Brenda qualified as an optometrist in 1985. She is a member of the General Optical Council, College of Optometrists and the Irish Association of Optometrists.
In her spare time, Brenda has dedicated time supporting SeeKenya, a charity close to her heart. She regularly visits the country to provide eye care to those who need it most.
Maria Sawe - optometrist
Maria has been an optometrist at Birrell and Rainford for over eight years, starting as a locum before taking on a permanent role. During this time she has built strong connections with all her patients, and also loves welcoming new faces to the practice. Working in a boutique practice allows her to provide a very personalised service, and she thrives on providing bespoke solutions for patients with more complex requirements.
As an independent prescriber, she is able to provide comprehensive treatment plans for patients, as well as looking at their wider health and how other medications they are taking may impact on their vision.
Maria is the clinical lead and a trustee of the charity SeeKenya, and for the past 11 years she has travelled to Kenya twice a year to run eye clinics. She finds this work extremely rewarding and has witnessed countless lives being transformed by the provision of glasses and medical care through the charity’s work.
Outside of work, she enjoys walking and exploring the Scottish Highlands with her husband.
Daniel Keeling, optical manager and dispensing optician
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.
Susan Reed - receptionist
Susan is a face our patients know well, having been our trusted receptionist for over 10 years. She knows our patients well and loves her interactions with them when they come in or phone up, often getting to know whole families who have been with the 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.
Alishbah Akram - optical assistant
Alishbah joined Birrell and Rainford in 2024, having 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.
James Canham - optical assistant
James joined the practice in 2025 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.
The community feel of the area is something James really appreciates, 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.