Our story and expertise

We are practice optometrist Noel Johnston and practice manager Helen Johnston. Along with our amazing team we established our independent NHS practice in 2006. Our daughter Eilidh was just two years old. More recently Border Terrier Sasha has joined our family and with regular visits to the practice is one of the gang.

Our background

In 2006 there were no optical practices in Berwickshire. Today? There is still only one!

First and always a physicist (and lover of the outdoors, history buff and sci-fi-fiction fan), Noel’s career began in the Scottish textiles industry. Moving into optics, he mentored post-graduate optometrists. After practising optics he fulfilled his dream of establishing an independent practice. And doing things differently.

Helen (also lover of the outdoors, but less the sci-fi-fiction fan) established the practice with Noel and worked in-practice for two years to help get things underway. She returned full-time to her career in publishing and communications management alongside working on youth projects. Helen came back into the practice in 2023.

Between them our highly knowledgeable team of optical assistants have over 25 years’ combined experience in optics.

Visiting Noel Johnston Opticians

Our patients come to us from Duns, the wider Berwickshire and Borders area, Northumberland, East Lothian and Edinburgh. And others from much further afield!

There is free parking in the Market Square outside our practice, including disabled parking. We are on a direct bus route between Berwick, Galashiels and Melrose and on the popular Borders Cycle Loop.

Whether you call us on 01361 882 800 or drop in to say hello, we are on hand to answer any questions you may have.

Spending time in Duns

If you have time for a coffee, homebaking or lunch, pop into the wonderful Maxwell’s tearooms in the Market Square. Enjoy a beautiful walk through Duns Castle Nature Reserve and woodland, take a gentle stroll up Duns Law, or visit the Jim Clark Motorsport Museum.