ABOUT US

Welcome to Reynolds & Slater Opticians: Providing Expert Eye Care for Over 40 Years

With over 40 years of experience, Reynolds & Slater Eyecare has proudly served the local community of Cornwall, offering expert eye care with a personal touch. Our two practices, based in Falmouth and Penzance, are independently owned and operated by the husband-and-wife team of Marcus and Sophie Slater, both highly skilled optometrists with a passion for providing the best possible care to every patient.

At Reynolds & Slater, we understand that eye care is not just about clear vision, but also about building lasting relationships within the community. We create a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where you can feel confident that you are receiving clinically focused care tailored to your needs. Our team is committed to ensuring that every visit is not only informative but also comfortable and supportive, whether you’re coming in for a routine eye exam or seeking specialised treatment.

Our Values: What Sets Us Apart

Premium Quality Eyecare and Service


At Reynolds & Slater, our core philosophy is to deliver premium quality eyecare and exceptional service to all of our patients.

We take the time to understand your unique needs, offering bespoke advice and solutions that work for you. Our commitment to quality is reflected in everything we do, from the advanced diagnostic technology we use to the products we offer.

Experience & Expertise

Marcus and Sophie Slater lead a team of dedicated professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every patient interaction.

As independent optometrists, we have the freedom to offer you the best options without compromise. Whether it’s addressing a complex eye health issue or helping you choose the perfect pair of glasses, you can rely on our experience to guide you.

Innovative Diagnostic Technologies

We are proud to be at the forefront of optometric technology, constantly investing in innovative diagnostic tools that enable us to detect eye conditions early and provide precise, effective treatment.

From cutting-edge OCT scans to advanced spectacle dispensing systems, our use of state-of-the-art equipment ensures we offer the best clinical outcomes for our patients.

Advanced Spectacle Dispensing Solutions

Our expertise extends beyond eye exams to advanced spectacle dispensing. We offer a wide range of stylish frames and lenses, carefully selected to suit your individual needs. Whether you’re looking for glasses that are practical, fashionable, or tailored to a specific prescription, we have solutions to fit every lifestyle.

Our Commitment to Sustainability

At Reynolds & Slater, we care deeply about our planet and strive to make choices that reflect this commitment. We aim to provide eco-friendly products where possible and are dedicated to working with UK-based suppliers as much as we can. We are proud to have partnered with ZEISS, a company that shares our values of sustainability and environmental responsibility. Through this partnership, we are able to offer you not only cutting-edge optical technologies but also support a brand that’s committed to global sustainability pledges.

By choosing us, you are supporting a locally owned, independent business that is dedicated to providing exceptional service while also making responsible choices for the environment.

Meet the Team

At Reynolds & Slater Eyecare, we believe great eye care starts with a great team. Led by husband-and-wife optometrists Marcus and Sophie Slater, our friendly and knowledgeable staff are here to provide expert advice, personal support, and a welcoming experience every time you visit.

Marcus Slater

MSc MCOptom DipTP(IP) Higher Cert Glauc

Specialist Optometrist

Marcus was born in Cornwall and raised in Helston.  He is mainly based at the Penzance practice, but does work across both practices. 

On his day away from Reynolds & Slater Opticians, Marcus serves as a Specialist Optometrist at Treliske Hospital, where he is part of the glaucoma monitoring team.

Holding a Master of Science in Clinical Optometry, Marcus is among a select group of optometrists in Cornwall to have achieved the College of Optometrists Diploma in Independent Prescribing and the Higher Certificate in Glaucoma. These qualifications enable him to prescribe medication for a wide range of ocular conditions from both the Falmouth and Penzance practices.

Marcus is accredited to provide Minor Eye Condition Services (MECS), glaucoma referral refinement, ocular hypertension monitoring, and post-operative cataract assessments. His special interests include glaucoma, dry eye management, and myopia (short-sight) control.

He has played an active role in commissioning enhanced optometric community services within Cornwall, including post-operative cataract assessment, glaucoma referral refinement, and ocular hypertension monitoring. Marcus’s career spans multiple settings—independent practices, multiples, and hospitals—both as an optometrist and dispensing optician, despite originally planning to study marine biology in his teens!

Marcus is proud to have been nominated for Newly Qualified Optometrist of the Year and was awarded the Head of School Prize upon graduating with a first-class degree from Cardiff University.

In his spare time you will often find him out on his bike or training for ultra endurance events such as Ironman triathlon.

Sophie Slater

MCOptom Prof Cert Glauc

Optometrist Owner

Sophie Slater is joint owner of Reynolds & Slater Eyecare and works as an optometrist across the practices.

In her clinical role, she particularly enjoys working in glaucoma care, paediatrics, and low vision—helping patients with reduced sight to make the most of their vision. Sophie holds the College of Optometrists Professional Certificate in Glaucoma, reflecting her commitment to advanced clinical care.

Outside of work, Sophie is a proud mum to Rory and Freddy. She loves spending time with her family and caring for the animals on their smallholding—she even keeps bees, so feel free to ask her about them!

Philip Storey

MCOptom

Optometrist

Philip is an experienced optometrist who works with Reynolds & Slater Eyecare three days a week. In addition to his work with us, he runs a successful home-visiting optician service, providing eye care to patients in the comfort of their own homes.

Outside of work, Philip enjoys playing golf, caring for his horses, and spending time with his family—often shuttling his children to their various sports activities.

Yana Brunner

BSc (Hons) MCOptom

Optometrist

Yana is one of our resident optometrists. After completing her optometry degree at Cardiff University, she returned home to Cornwall and joined Reynolds & Slater in 2021 to undertake her pre-registration year.

She has completed additional training to allow her to examine patients with minor eye conditions and also carries out post-cataract checks.

Outside of work, Yana enjoys photography and capturing the beauty of everyday moments.

Julianne Hellyer

BSc MCOptom

Optometrist

I have lived and worked in Falmouth for over 20 years. I love to ride my bike, to sea swim and run along the coastal path with my husband. I volunteer as a coach with Falmouth Running Club and on rainy days I sew.

With all our children now grown up we have converted a room in our house for my small sewing business and am often seen trading at Markets with other local makers.

I have worked as an Optometrist in both a hospital setting and private practice and am thrilled to join Sophie and Marcus delivering top quality eye care to the people of Falmouth Penzance and surrounding areas.

Kate Bright

FBDO

Dispensing Optician

Kate joined Reynolds & Slater Eyecare in 2019 and has worked in optics since 1997, qualifying as a Dispensing Optician in 2005. She brings a wealth of experience from her time in several practices across Essex and Cornwall, having relocated to Cornwall in 2008.

Kate joined Reynolds & Slater Eyecare in 2019 and has worked in optics since 1997, qualifying as a Dispensing Optician in 2005. She brings a wealth of experience from her time in several practices across Essex and Cornwall, having relocated to Cornwall in 2008.

Working part-time with us allows Kate to balance her professional and family life. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors in Cornwall with her young daughter.

Lee Padgeth

FBDO

Dispensing Optician

With over a decade of experience in optics, Lee has built a career dedicated to helping people see the world more clearly and confidently. He proudly serves on the local optical committee, contributing to the development and support of eye care services within the community.

He has a particular interest in paediatric dispensing, low vision, and contact lenses—areas where the right visual solution can make a life-changing difference. Whether it’s helping a child choose their first pair of spectacles or supporting someone with complex visual needs, he enjoys creating fun, functional, and personalised solutions for every patient.

The best part of the job? Seeing the transformation the right pair of spectacles or lenses can bring and knowing each solution is tailored to the individual.

Hayden Trerise-Smith

FBDO

Dispensing Optician

Hayden works as a dispensing optician across both Reynolds & Slater practices. His role focuses on all aspects of spectacles and lenses, assisting patients daily in selecting frames that suit them best and advising on lens options to meet their visual needs.

He is currently advancing his clinical qualifications by working towards a Master’s degree in Optometry, with the goal of conducting sight tests within the next few years.

For him, the most rewarding aspect is helping patients with complex fitting or visual requirements find the perfect frames and lenses. Sharing their joy during the final fitting—when they receive comfortable frames and clear vision—is a highlight of his work.

He volunteers in the Redruth community, teaching children self-defence and kickboxing. He also competes in kickboxing tournaments and is proud to have achieved second place at the British Championships. When not kickboxing, he enjoys studying for further qualifications, relaxing with computer gaming, or heading off on a cruise.

Caesha Taiani

BSc (Hons) FBDO

Dispensing Optician

Caesha is responsible for all things spectacle-related at Reynolds & Slater, including frame selection, dispensing, fitting, and adjustments. She also plays an important role in supporting the team with training and development.

Caesha is responsible for all things spectacle-related at Reynolds & Slater, including frame selection, dispensing, fitting, and adjustments. She also plays an important role in supporting the team with training and development.

What’s the best part of the job?
She loves helping people—whether it’s guiding them to choose a fabulous pair of spectacles or resolving an issue. Training and development are also passions of hers, both for her own growth and in supporting others.

Outside of work
She enjoys baking, gardening, arts and crafts, and roller skating.

Kim Murley

Practice Manager

Kim joined Reynolds Opticians in 1986 and now oversees most of the spectacle dispensing within the practice. She has a natural flair for selecting the perfect frames and lenses, and her extensive knowledge and skills are invaluable when helping patients choose new glasses.

Kim joined Reynolds Opticians in 1986 and now oversees most of the spectacle dispensing within the practice. She has a natural flair for selecting the perfect frames and lenses, and her extensive knowledge and skills are invaluable when helping patients choose new glasses.

As leader of the dispensing team, Kim is known for her exceptional attention to detail and phenomenal memory for patient preferences, ensuring a truly personalised experience for everyone she assists.

Tiffany Strick

Optical Receptionist

Tiffany joined Reynolds & Slater Opticians in 2018 and is now our full-time receptionist. With a background in adult social care, she brings a warm and welcoming approach to the practice, always greeting patients with a friendly smile.

Tiffany joined Reynolds & Slater Opticians in 2018 and is now our full-time receptionist. With a background in adult social care, she brings a warm and welcoming approach to the practice, always greeting patients with a friendly smile.

Tiffany ensures the smooth running of day-to-day reception duties and has recently taken on an additional role as Accounts Associate. In this position, she is responsible for bookkeeping and managing the company accounts.

Sophie Ludwig

Optical Receptionist

Sophie is the lead receptionist and marketing associate at our Falmouth practice. She runs a tight ship on reception and loves catching up with our loyal patients, always bringing warmth and energy to the front desk.

Recently, Sophie has taken on the role of Marketing Associate for Reynolds & Slater, where she manages our social media accounts and oversees both digital and printed marketing materials. Her creativity and organisational skills help keep our brand fresh and engaging.

Erin Burt

Optical Receptionist

Erin is the full time receptionist at our Penzance practice and one of the first smiling faces you’ll see when you arrive. She ensures the reception runs smoothly and provides a warm, welcoming experience for every patient.

Outside of work, Erin enjoys caring for her horses and spending time outdoors.

Why Choose
Reynolds & Slater Opticians?