Manager Mary Burke, optician Sinead Chambers, proprietor and optometrist Linda Brannigan (Kochhur), optician Michelle Manning and Kamila Chandler. Photograph: Tom Micks
EYE CANDY Opticians is celebrating 20 years of caring for the eyes of the people of Clare.
To mark this milestone, they’ll be welcoming old and new patients and customers to their newly refurbished practice at 25 Abbey Street next week. Visitors will be invited to enjoy the celebrations and treats, along with planned exclusive stylising events every day of the week.
There’ll be full collections showcased on each day along with the chance to enter raffles for stylish frames, contact lenses, sunglasses and varifocal lenses.
Combining the values of a traditional independent Opticians with a modern, fashion-forward approach, Eye Candy Opticians has built a reputation for offering expert eye care delivered with warmth and attention to detail.
Speaking to The Clare Echo, proprietor Linda Brannigan (Kochhar) reflected on the past two decades of service. “My practice first opened its doors on February the 11th, 2006. My vision for Eye Candy Opticians was to have an Independent practice here in Ennis where I could spend quality time with patients, offering in-depth eye examinations using the best available equipment, and being supported by dedicated and reliable staff”.
Eye examinations are more than just about getting new glasses, they are vital for checking the health of the eye and catching a problem before it becomes an issue! Spectacles, she believes also, are about more than vision. “They become part and parcel of a person, reflecting personalities but also very often something worn to complement outfits. “I take great pride in selecting all the frames that I stock, ensuring that there’s plenty of choice for young, old, various prescriptions, male, female and people of all budgets. Many frames have been sourced from trade fairs in Paris, Milan and London thus ensuring that customers have access to choice and quality frames and being able to offer a follow-up service for adjustments on these products”.
Eye Candy opticians was also among one of the first Irish practices to invest in OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) technology, allowing more than a decade of detailed imaging of the retina and as a result, being able to monitor various conditions,” Linda explained.
Continuous education has always been a priority, particularly in emerging areas such as Dry Eye and Myopia management. “By 2050, it is estimated that half of the world’s population will be short-sighted, this being caused mainly by environmental factors such as increased screen time and less time spent out of doors. Following much research there are now special lenses that can actually slow the progression of myopia in children”.
Originally from Kilkenny, Linda moved to Ennis in 2003 with her husband Jeeves. Here, they fell in love with the vibe of the town after a short stay at the Old Ground Hotel. The 200-year-old Abbey Street building was then purchased and carefully renovated from being a jewellery shop and Tom Meaney’s insurance office to create a modern practice all the while preserving its historic charm.
From an initial team of two staff, Eye Candy Opticians has steadily grown into a thriving business employing eight caring and dynamic staff members with years of optical experience.
“Everyone works hard and gets on really well together with plenty of banter and laughs but at the end of the day we all are very aware of the patient journey. Each person that presents through our door may have a different concern about their eyes. From the initial greeting, the eye examination, the choosing and dispensing of glasses to the collection and fitting of frames or contact lenses, each member of staff tries to reassure the customer that they are in good hands and well looked after,” she added.
SERVICES
The practice offers a full range of optometry services including routine eye exams, contact lens fittings, driver licence reports and VDU screening. It includes an on-site glazing laboratory and a dedicated fully equipped Dry Eye suite. The specialist Dry Eye clinic now attracts patients from across the country, as far as Letterkenny to Clonakilty.
“There are patients who present in real pain and discomfort they ’ve tried everything. We’re getting great success with dry eye treatments and equally, seeing someone put on new glasses and suddenly see properly for the first time. Parents reporting back on the progress of a child in school since wearing new glasses. Offering a good service for all is so important.”
Eye Candy opticians continues to play an active role in the local community. Linda has given many talks on eye health and care, school donations and sports sponsorships, including the Eye Candy Ennis Tennis Open and the Dromoland Golf mixed foursomes.
ETHOS
Asked about the ethos behind the business’s success, Linda said listening, doing our best and helping people.
As preparations continue for next week’s celebrations, Linda had a simple message for customers: “Thank you and come help us celebrate.”
The following schedule will take place next week at Eye Candy Opticians at 25 Abbey Street, Ennis. Why not drop in and congratulate Linda and her team.
Mon afternoon: International eyewear
Tues afternoon: Maui Jim
Wed afternoon: Entourage of 7
Thurs afternoon: Mulberry collection
Fri morning: Silhouette frames.
