0131 225 2235 | 5 St Vincent Street, Edinburgh
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Remembering Heather Grandon
For over 30 years, Heather Grandon was at the heart of Cameron Optometry, shaping the practice not just through her remarkable expertise, but through her warmth, kindness, and unwavering commitment to patient care. It is with great sadness that we share this reflection on Heather’s life and career, and the immense impact she had on all of us who had the privilege of working alongside her.
A career of dedication
Heather joined the practice in 1994 as a pre-registration optometrist. Even then, it was clear she had a rare talent - her patience, meticulous attention to detail, and genuine compassion for her patients set her apart. Over the years, she became one of the leading experts in contact lens fitting, particularly in complex cases involving babies, trauma patients, and those with severe eye diseases.
Her ability to fit prosthetic and specialist contact lenses changed countless lives, giving people back their sight and their confidence. She became one of the best in the UK at this intricate work. The loss of her expertise is immeasurable, but more than that, the loss of her presence is one we feel deeply.
Heather never sought recognition or accolades—she worked quietly but profoundly, ensuring that every patient she saw felt valued and cared for. She wasn’t just doing a job; she was changing lives. One of her long-term patients captured this best, saying, “Heather was like a friend to me—no, she was a friend to me.” That was the essence of Heather. She wasn’t just a clinician; she was a confidante, a trusted guide, a person who genuinely saw and valued those she cared for – a friend.
Guiding the next generation
In 2005, as I was considering returning to Edinburgh, Heather was expecting her first child. Recognising the critical role she played in the practice, my father knew they couldn’t simply ‘muddle through’ while she was on leave. It was Heather herself who, ever thoughtful, suggested that if I was thinking of coming back, this might be the moment.
When I did return, it became obvious how much Heather had grown into her role. She had an unparalleled depth of knowledge in contact lenses and patient care, and she became a guiding force for me as I found my footing in the practice. As our team grew, Heather remained the steadfast expert, the person we all turned to with the toughest cases. If I taught anyone here something about contact lenses, it was only because Heather had taught me first.
Heather remained at the absolute cutting edge of specialist contact lens care throughout her career. I spent much of that early part of my career lecturing and training others, but I knew full well that I could barely hold a candle to Heather. After 30 years in the trenches, she was one of the foremost experts in contact lenses—not just in Scotland, but in the world. Few had her level of devotion, her commitment to even the most complex cases, or her passion for staying ahead of the latest advancements in lens design and fitting.
Heather’s unique gift
Heather wasn’t just a brilliant optometrist—she was the person we all relied on. If we had faced a tricky case, we knew exactly who to turn to. She saw every challenge as an opportunity to connect, to make someone feel truly heard and cared for. We even had a phrase for it: “A Heather special”.
She also led by example in her quiet, determined way. My father had spent years encouraging her to take an Independent Prescribing course so she could treat patients directly rather than referring them to the hospital. Heather had her doubts about whether she could still take on such a challenge, but when she finally did, she passed with 96% and we joked, “she must have spelled her name wrong!”.
Even as our team expanded to 24 staff and nine optometrists, Heather remained the human encyclopedia of contact lens care. She was always willing to teach, to guide, to share her knowledge. She wanted others to learn, to grow, to do well.
Saying goodbye
Heather loved a laugh, loved all things Scandinavian (perhaps appreciating their unfussy, practical approach to life), and above all, loved her family deeply. It is impossible to overstate the loss felt by her husband Derek, her daughter Isla as she embarks on her own academic journey, and her son Murray, who will all feel this loss the most keenly.
For those of us who worked alongside her, it is almost impossible to imagine the practice without her. Other than Lesley, who started the same year, Heather predated all of us by at least a decade. And we all expected her to be here for at least another decade.
The truth is, we can never replace Heather. But what we can do is carry forward the example she set. If people say of us that we cared for them the way Heather did—with skill, with patience, like a friend—then we will have done well indeed.
Heather, it was a privilege to know you, to work alongside you, and to learn from you. I would give anything to have you back, but instead, I will hold onto your example, your lessons, and the kindness you showed to everyone you met.
Ian Cameron