Eleanor Leech

Qualifications: BSc(Hons) MCOptom | M.Phil DipTp(IP)

Eleanor Leech is a highly experienced optometrist with more than 30 years in clinical practice and a career-long interest in myopia and visual development. A fourth generation optometrist, Eleanor brings a depth of knowledge, academic insight, and continuity of care that few clinicians can match. She joined Cameron Optometry in 2023 further strengthening one of the most experienced optometry teams in the UK.

Eleanor qualified with a BSc Honours degree in Optometry from the University of Wales College of Cardiff in 1992 and completed her professional qualification in 1993. She began her career with a year in the Hospital Eye Service at North Riding Infirmary in Middlesbrough, gaining valuable experience in medical eye care and patient-focused clinical work. Alongside practice, Eleanor returned to Cardiff to undertake postgraduate research, completing an MPhil based on laboratory work investigating retinal neurotransmitters in form deprivation myopia. This early academic work laid the foundation for a lifelong professional interest in myopia and its management.

After completing her postgraduate degree, Eleanor worked across a range of practices in South Wales and at Cardiff University low vision clinic, before relocating to Edinburgh in the late 1990s to join her family practice, Trotters. During her time there, she developed long standing relationships with patients, many of whom she has cared for over decades. Her work also included involvement in the Lothian cataract screening scheme, post operative cataract care, and screening and aftercare for laser vision correction procedures. She later spent time working alongside a private consultant ophthalmologist reviewing patients before and after cataract surgery.

Eleanor is a fully qualified Independent Prescribing optometrist and was among the earliest optometrists in Scotland to gain this qualification, completing her training through Glasgow Caledonian University and the College of Optometrists. This enables her to manage eye disease, prescribe treatment, and provide joined up care without unnecessary delays. She has always maintained a strong commitment to continuing professional development and evidence based practice.

Myopia remains a key clinical and research interest for Eleanor. Her early academic work, combined with personal experience as a parent, has shaped her proactive approach to myopia management in children. More recently, she completed a research project with Glasgow Caledonian University investigating the role of light exposure in childhood myopia, an emerging area of research with implications for eye health, circadian rhythms, and modern lifestyles. At Cameron Optometry, Eleanor enjoys offering comprehensive myopia management using the latest technology, including axial length measurement and orthokeratology lenses, helping to protect children’s vision for the future.

Eleanor enjoys seeing patients of all ages, from infants to those well into later life. She is particularly valued for her ability to build long term relationships, taking time to understand both the person and their eyes. Patients appreciate her calm, thoughtful manner and the continuity of care she provides.

Outside of work, Eleanor lives in Edinburgh and enjoys keeping fit, spending time outdoors, gardening, and playing music. A keen pianist, she also enjoys holidaying in Scotland with her family.

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