McLeish Eyecare: In the heart of East Lothian for over 30 years

Scott McAteer, optometrist

Scott joined the practice over five years ago, and has built a reputation for providing the highest standard of care. He graduated from Ulster University and worked in a chain of opticians, before deciding that independent optometry was for him.

He is currently studying for his Independent Prescriber qualification which he will complete in 2025, meaning he will be able to prescribe any medications required to effectively treat eye conditions, as well as having further knowledge on how other prescription medications can affect the eyes. He focuses heavily on preventative eye care, keeping eyes healthy and catching issues early so they can be given the best treatment. Working in a small practice allows him to really get to know his patients, meaning any changes in the eyes are spotted early. He also loves that he is able to treat many generations of the same families.

A contact lens specialist, he is especially passionate about the benefits of night lenses, (also known as orthokeratology or ortho-k lenses), which he has found to be an ideal solution for many patients who have thought lenses aren’t for them.

A rugby fanatic, Scott pulls on his boots for Leith Rugby Club most weekends. When he’s not on the pitch, he can be found exploring Scotland with his wife, in particular enjoying the scenic walks and beautiful beaches in the local area.

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Brian Montgomery, optometrist

Brian set up Montgomery Optometrists with his wife Karen in 1990. In 2024, his Musselburgh practice joined forces with neighbours I.J. McLeish, bringing together these two independent opticians. Soon they will unite under one roof in brand new premises on Bridge Street.

With experience in all areas of optometry, Brian has a particular interest in specialist contact lenses, including myopia management lenses which help children slow the progression of short-sightedness. He also has an active interest in the advances in sports vision, as well as visual stress.

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Helen Dick, practice manager

Practice manager, Helen Dick, has been with McLeish Eyecare for 14 years and has been instrumental in overseeing the smooth merger with Montgomery Optometrists. She has another 10 years experience as an optical assistant in Edinburgh so knows eyecare like the back of her hand. Super-stylish Helen, who was a hairdresser before she started her family, loves eyewear brands Woody and Wolf in particular.

Helen lives in Loanhead and when she’s not at work, she is kept busy with her three children, five grandchildren and her dog, a Cane Corso called Zeus, who is the size of a small pony! She loves spending time by the water, either at the beach or riverside, so she is grateful to spend so much time in East Lothian where she finds people are all so friendly.

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Gillian Montgomery, admin and optical assistant

Gillian joined Montgomery Optometrists over five years ago before the practice merged with McLeish Eyecare in 2024. Prior to her career in optics, she was the ward secretary on the transplant ward at The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. The practice relies on Gillian’s organisation, knowledge and caring nature to ensure it runs smoothly.

She knows the patients incredibly well, and loves when they pop by for a hello. She feels lucky to have such friendly patients and also loves spending all day surrounded by some stunning eyewear, her favourite eyewear brands are Cocoa Mint and Calvin Klein.

She loves working in Musselburgh, enjoying the bustling community, as well as lunchtime walks along the beach and the River Esk. When she’s not in the practice, her five grandchildren and Springer Spaniel keep her busy and she also enjoys socialising with friends and family.

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Sheila Glynn, receptionist and optical assistant

Sheila G has been with the practice for nearly three decades. Her passion for working with people has meant she has nurtured some close relationships with patients and colleagues over the years. She knows Musselburgh like the back of her hand, and takes great pleasure in seeing familiar faces when they visit the practice for an appointment, or just for a friendly hello.

She cherishes the East Lothian coast in all seasons, come rain or shine, often treating herself to a delicious ice cream from Lucas when she’s passing. And when she’s not wandering along the stunning beaches, she enjoys swimming and socialising.

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Sheila Henderson, Optical assistant

With two Sheilas in the practice, things can sometimes get confusing! Sheila H has been with the practice for nearly two decades. Before that she enjoyed life as a bus driver so knows the Lothians better than most. Very different careers but both allow her to meet all different types of people and listen to their stories, which is her passion. She loves when patients stop for a natter.

When not in the practice, she enjoys the peace of doing jigsaws, swimming and spending time with her active grandchildren. She also enjoys walks in and around Musselburgh, where there are so many different routes you can take, from covering a chunk of the John Muir Way along the coast, to a wander along the banks of the Esk, or embracing local history with a wander around one of the many historical estates.

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Emma Brogan, Optical assistant

We were delighted to welcome Emma when we moved to our brand new premises at 8 Bridge Street. After gaining a BA (Hons) in English and Film, a series of sliding door moments led Emma to pursue a career in optics. Prior to joining the McLeish Eyewear team, she worked for a high street opticians as part of the surgery team assisting in performing cataract and laser eye surgeries. She is thriving in the new practice, getting to know our lovely patients, and our fab new eyewear brands, and has slotted in very well to the team.

In her spare time she can be found in the terraces watching her football team, or in the kitchen baking up some delights, which we hope to sample in the practice very soon. She’s finding being so close to Luca’s quite dangerous and often pops by on her lunch break.

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