About Us

Henry Smith & Hamylton are a family based opticians, established in 1887 providing professional eyecare for over 130 years. Registered with the General Optical Council, Harley street.

As a 4th generation family run independent opticians we pride ourselves on our unhurried eye examinations, professional advice & friendly individual service.

All our professional staff are fully qualified and expertly trained. Incorporating the latest modern sight test & screening equipment, as well as our impressive selection of designer & fashion eyewear, many are exclusive to our Leicestershire & Peterborough practices.

Meet The Smiths

1st Generation

Mr W.H. Smith

Mr W.H.Smith opened his first Opticians Practice on Bosworth St in Leicester in a converted terrace house. The Practice relocated to Loseby Lane in the heart of Leicester City Centre

2nd Generation

Mr H Smith

Having learnt from his Father, Mr H. Smith dedicated his life to providing the very best in eyecare. Mr H. Smith tested his Patient’s eyes until he was 80 years old. This photo was just before his 80th Birthday.

3rd Generation

Mr H.W.G. Smith

Mr H.W.G. Smith graduated in Optometry with honours at Aston University and took over the family business in his 20’s. Continuing the family’s multi-generational optical knowledge, experience and values, Mr H.W.G. Smith opened up Practices in across Leicester & Peterborough.

4th Generation

Miss J. Smith

Childhood school holidays spent touring Optical factories in the heart of the French & Italian Optical Industry, inspired Miss Smith to explore the world of design. Many of the frames in our Practices have been produced by Miss Smith. Designed by Opticians to ensure the best quality and designs available for our Patients requirements.

Charitable Works

Henry Smith & Hamylton Opticians and Vista, one of the oldest and largest local charities in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, have a long history together, Mr H. Smith (no.2) was heavily involved with the charity. Vista have been working with people with sight loss and their families for over 160 years.

As well as rehabilitation, residential homes and social groups Vista provides specialist services for people with learning disabilities, dementia and dual sensory impairment.

We’re there at the point of diagnosis, supporting children and adults in eye clinics by providing information, advice, guidance and support when it’s most needed.

We teach people with sight loss new skills and provide specialist equipment and tools. Our qualified specialist staff have a wealth of experience in supporting people with sight loss to develop important practical, social and emotional skills, building their confidence and independence.

We support children and adults with sight loss, providing specialist leisure activities, creative and expressive music sessions, and professional rehabilitation support in both the home and the community.

We aim to tackle social isolation and ensure that every person we work with has real human contact, through social groups to people who would otherwise be isolated and unable to leave their homes. We also provide over 70,000 talking newspapers a year, making a real difference to the lives of socially isolated people in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland’.

Losing your sight can be frightening. Vista is there, enabling people to regain their independence and live fulfilling lives, we are very happy to support Vista in the amazing work they do.