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Drum Opticians
For people who expect more from their eye care.
Drum Opticians is an independent opticians based on Drum Street in Gilmerton, Edinburgh. We provide thorough NHS and private eye examinations with a strong focus on eye health, accurate vision correction and long-term care.
Our services include OCT eye scans, childrens eye examinations, myopia management, contact lens fitting and aftercare, emergency and problem-focused eye care, independent prescribing and home eye examinations for patients who are unable to attend the practice.
We also provide hearing assessments, hearing tests, hearing aid fitting and ongoing hearing care.
Our eyewear includes prescription glasses, sunglasses and ZEISS spectacle lenses, with advice tailored to each patient's prescription and visual needs. We welcome patients from Gilmerton and across Edinburgh and Midlothian.
Served areas
  • Gilmerton, Liberton, South Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Danderhall, Dalkeith, Loanhead, Newtongrange, Bonnyrigg
Business details
  • Employees: 4
  • Licensed
  • Insured
Highlights and features
  • NHS eye examinations
  • Private eye examinations
  • OCT eye scans
  • Children's eye care
  • Myopia management
  • Contact lens fitting and aftercare
  • Home eye examinations
  • Independent prescribing
  • Emergency eye care
  • Hearing tests and hearing care
  • ZEISS spectacle lenses
  • Prescription glasses and sunglasses
Associations and certifications
  • Association of Optometrists (AOP)
  • College of Optometrists
  • General Optical Council Registered
  • Independent Prescribing Optometrist
  • ZEISS stockists
Payment methods
  • Cash, Debit cards, Credit cards, Mobile payments
Services
Drum Opticians We offer a broad range of professional optical services designed around your vision and eye health. As qualified Independent Prescribers and experienced optometrists, we provide advanced examinations, treatment for many eye conditions, paediatric care and myopia management. We also offer contact lens consultations, at-home examinations, personalised eyewear styling and lens options suited to your prescription and lifestyle.
People
Bilal & Maddiha
Bilal & Maddiha
At the heart of our practice are Bilal and Maddiha, a husband-and-wife team of experienced optometrists. Since graduating in 2013, they have dedicated themselves to providing exceptional eye care.
Reviews (17)
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Sarah Dod
Feb 26, 2026
My husband found this opticians when he was living in the area. From the beginning they have been nothing but kind, courteous, friendly and professional. I needed an urgent repair on a pair of glasses and they were able to sort it out when others said they couldn't. Then when my husband passed away unexpectedly I needed to cancel his order and Steven was sympathetic and kind making sure everything was taken care of. After I moved up to Scotland there was no question where I was going to go for my eye exams and new glasses. They were worth the hour's drive. The optician had state of the art equipment and went through the results with me showing me the pictures and explained what I was looking at. Afterwards Steven then went through the prescriptions with me helping me choose the right ones. I cannot express how lovely they all are!
Enja Nuccio
Feb 05, 2026
Amazing opticians, warm welcome when I first got in and great service. I wish I found them sooner!
Alys Edwards
Jan 29, 2026
Really great experience with an NHS checkup properly taking the time to go through everything with me, and get a full relevant medical history. Really great support about a rare and new (to the optician) medical condition. And great support in picking out some new glasses.
Carol Gordon
Apr 12, 2025
Very friendly, professional staff. Good choice of frames at reasonable prices. Highly recommend.
Norma Lynch
Mar 14, 2025
First class customer service. I wont hesitate to use them for all my needs. They go above and beyond and are so helpful and lovely. They also have a great selection of glasses to choose from. Highly recommend!
Sandra Lawrie
Jan 05, 2025
This is the best opticians that I have ever been to. I have always had an amazing experience each time I have attended. Steven is a lovely guy very helpful, professional kind & curtesy shown each time I have been. The opticians are awesome such a friendly place to go to. Staff are always smiling and make you feel that youre the only one. I would absolutely recommend this opticians when seeking out eye care.
Holly Lithgow
Jan 04, 2025
Excellent and friendly service. Both Bilal and Steven have been so kind and helpful regarding my daughters eye care. Would recommend without hesitation!
S. Burns
Aug 03, 2024
Absolutely brilliant with kids. Staff made my son (who'd felt quite anxious and scared at previous opticians) feel comfortable and safe enough to get a full eye exam along with drops. He's now genuinely excited about his next appointment. Thank you!
Conor Glasier
May 07, 2024
Absolutely fantastic opticians. Such a quick and easy process and definitely hassle free. The guys are not only so friendly but knowledgeable and do not offer any extras unless it genuinely is required. Wouldnt go anywhere else. Thanks guys
Camille Charrier
Apr 01, 2023
Absolute fantastic team! I went for my daughter for her first eye test and the team was very patient and kind.
Couldnt recommend enough!
Marilyn Kellachan
Mar 10, 2023
Spex was recommended to me by a friend & she wasn't wrong in her praise of both Bilal & Stephen. A very thorough eye exam done with patience & politeness. Stephen was a great help when choosing a frame, no rushing or pressure, definitely will be going back there.
Nicola Anderson
May 02, 2022
Went in today with my kids for a test with Bilal. Great experience for her first time.
Hes good with kid.. Hes patient and gives clear instructions.

I also went with my mum yesterday for her appointment and he ended up testing my eyes after i mentioned some trouble. Without an appointment.

Good bit of banter too, which always helps.

1000% reccomended!
Crafty Team
Aug 17, 2021
My elderly mother developed a nasty eye infection but due to covid was reluctant to go to the opticians but the staff here made her feel very safe and were very welcoming. They got her on medication quickly and sorted out the infection making for a great hassle free experience. Thank you from mum and myself.
Jay Ma
Jul 31, 2021
Went for the first check of five year old's eyes. The optometrist did a brilliant job and had a very good manner with children. Highly recommended.
Valerie Dryden
Jul 15, 2021
I hadnt been to the opticians in a while after having a horrible experience at a larger chain. I was very nervous and a bit worried what the service would be like.

The business is run by a lovely, knowledgeable couple that made me feel completely at ease. I was happy and welcomed for the entire visit and made to feel like they really cared about my health.

My glasses are great value and I was offered much better quality lenses than I have ever had before. The entire time I was given lots of information about my eye health and how to care for them.

Absolutely cant recommend enough, will be sending my husband and friends to them as well!
Nidaa Shad
Jun 26, 2021
Absolutely outstanding service at this store. I will definitely be coming back for my regular eye checks and bringing my family. The owners are a lovely couple who really care about their customers, and are passionate about their profession. Highly recommend this opticians.
Dimitar Bakalov
Feb 13, 2021
Excellent services,very friendly staff ... so easy and fast especially that difficult time , I get nice glasses just for a week . Highly recommend !