The 5 Best Opticians in Galway
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The 5 Best Opticians in Galway

What better way to appreciate the beautiful world that we live in than with perfect vision, right? If you’re struggling to see afar or read menus, it may be time you get your eyes checked.

So, if you’re on the hunt for the best opticians in Galway for the job, then you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ve combed through the entire city and selected our best recommendations.

We’ve assessed them based on their service offerings, customer service, and more. We even answered a few FAQs at the very end, so let’s get started!

How much do opticians charge?

Unfortunately, opticians don’t normally have their price lists on display. This is because a variety of their services are personalized, so you’ll have to inquire yourself.

Nevertheless, we’ve prepared rough estimates for common eye-related services:

ServiceRate
Essential eye testFrom €80
Advanced eye testFrom €140
Prescription eyeglassesFrom €20

The Best Opticians in Galway

Before we reveal our picks, let’s quickly go through the criteria that we used:

Variety – We assessed the array of eye-related products and examinations that they offer, whether online or in-store.
Cost – To give you your money’s worth, we chose clinics that offer the best rates for any budget.
Accessibility – We’ve taken a look at how accessible each clinic is in terms of booking an appointment, operating hours, health insurance coverage, and other convenient features.
Value – We took into consideration the inclusions and quality of each service to ensure that you get the most bang for your buck.

1. Specsavers Opticians & Audiologists

Specsavers Opticians & Audiologists Homepage
TestInfo
SERVICESConsultation, eye test, OCT scan, and more
PRODUCTSPrescription eyeglasses and sunglasses, frames, contact lenses, contact lens solution, and more
WEBSITEhttps://www.specsavers.ie/
ADDRESSEyre Square, Centre, Galway
CONTACT INFORMATION+353 91 568 814
OPERATING HOURSMon & Sun, 11 am - 5:30 pm

Tue & Wed, 8:30 am - 6:30 pm

Thu & Fri, 8:30 am - 7:30 pm

Sat, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm

CriteriaRatings
Variety★★★★★ (5/5)
Cost★★★★☆ (4/5)
Accessibility★★★★★ (5/5)
Value★★★★☆ (4/5)

A family-run business that has been running for more than 35 years, it’s unsurprising to see a Specsavers store near you considering they have branches all across Ireland, the UK, and more.

Zeroing in on their eye health services, their comprehensive eye exam is a great way to maintain your eye health and to see if you have any underlying eye issues.

So, if you think you have early signs of eye conditions such as glaucoma, we highly suggest you have it checked out through an OCT scan, which Specsavers offers, too.

If you can’t make it to their store, they also offer online consultations. They offer free consultation services via RemoteCare.

Speaking of online services, did you know that you can purchase glasses and contact lenses online, too? You can also consult with one of their staff members regarding how to style and care for these.

For online glasses shopping, you can choose to purchase a new pair or replacement glasses. All you need to do is complete their online form then a staff member will give you a call to finalize all the specifications, then you should expect them within seven to nine days.

As for buying glasses, they have a wide selection of frames, designs, brands, and so on. Hence, you’ll definitely be spoiled for choice if you decide to go through their extensive collection.

As for their contact lenses, they also sell a variety of kinds made by various manufacturers and brands, too. Both the glasses and contact lenses are sold at varying price points that will suit any budget.

Specsavers also offers promos and discounts every now and then, so that’s definitely something to look forward to if you’re on the hunt for a bargain.

However, their store is often busy due to its popularity, so you may want to plan your visit accordingly. Also, you may want to double-check their business hours since it’s irregular, which may be confusing to some.

Pros

  • Multiple stores across Ireland
  • Free consultation services via RemoteCare
  • Has online store
  • Has promos and discounts

Cons

  • Variable business hours
  • Busy clinic

Customer Reviews

Would highly recommend

“Had such a great experience here. Booked an appointment online, went in and was seen quickly. The staff were super pleasant. Mr Paul O’Callaghan was the optometrist that examined me and he eased my concerns, was so informative and answered all my questions. You could easily tell he has a wealth of experience in this field! Would highly recommend this Specsavers branch.” – Keisha D.

Great expertise

“received an excellent eyetest (otc & laser) today. very dedicated staff with great expertise. more style models would be fantastic, but was able to find two models, as it is for reading only. thank you, will come back!” – Steven Molloy

2. Vision Express Opticians

Vision Express Opticians Homepage
TestInfo
SERVICESEye test, OCT 3D eye scan, PRSI eye test, and more
PRODUCTSGlasses, contact lenses, sunglasses, accessories, and more
WEBSITEhttps://www.visionexpress.ie/
ADDRESS49 Shop St, Galway
CONTACT INFORMATION+353 91 895 644
OPERATING HOURSMon - Sat, 9 am - 5 pm
CriteriaRatings
Variety★★★★★ (5/5)
Cost★★★★☆ (4/5)
Accessibility★★★★★ (5/5)
Value★★★★☆ (4/5)

Vision Express Opticians provides a number of eye health examinations for adults and children as well as a wide selection of glasses, sunglasses, contact lenses, and accessories.

Their eye tests take around 20 minutes and will be conducted by their eyecare professionals. Here, they’ll be able to assess the status of your vision and eye health.

If you’re in need of a more in-depth assessment, they also offer OCT scans, which is one of the most advanced eye tests to date. This test gives eyecare professionals a 3D image of your eye, which helps them check for any early signs of eye conditions.

Did we mention that they also offer a free PRSI test? What’s more, medical cardholders are also entitled to a free pair of glasses from Vision Express, too, but make sure to read the fine print first.

You can choose to get your classes in-store or online. We think their online option is quite convenient, too, since they accept multiple online payment methods such as Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, and AMEX.

Speaking of glasses, they carry a wide range of frames and designs from brands such as Ray-Ban, Ted Baker, Prada, Oakley, and more. So, you’re definitely spoiled for choice here.

After getting your glasses, you’re also entitled to a 100-day guarantee in case anything goes sour as well as a lifetime of free servicing. We think this deserves brownie points from us!

On top of that, you get free delivery for all orders, too. We like this extra convenience, as you can simply order and wait for your specs to be delivered to your doorstep.

This also comes in handy considering they’re closed during the weekends. So, their weekdays are quite packed due to their popularity.

All said, we think they’re a great one-stop shop for all your eye care needs considering how virtually anything you’re looking for is under one roof.

Pros

  • Free 100-day guarantee
  • Free lifetime servicing
  • Free delivery on all orders
  • Has promos and discounts
  • Free PRSI test and glasses
  • Online payment available

Cons

  • Closed on weekends
  • Busy clinic

Customer Reviews

Always a wonderful experience from start to finish

“Fantastic friendly, helpful and pleasant staff. Always very cheery and welcoming. Hands down always a wonderful experience from start to finish. Having been a customer for a few years now I won’t be buying my glasses anywhere else.” – laineyk251 K

Most professional and efficient service

“Perhaps it is not always so; my experience was flawless. Polite and friendly reception followed by the most professional and efficient service I have ever experienced from an optician in more than 35 years.” – Iarfhlaith Connellan

3. Athenry Opticians

Athenry Opticians Homepage
TestInfo
SERVICESEye examination, dry eye, orthokeratology, retinal imaging, and more
PRODUCTSEyeglasses, contact lenses, and more
WEBSITEhttps://athenryopticians.ie/
ADDRESSUnit 1, King John House, Cross St, Knockaunglass, Athenry, Co. Galway
CONTACT INFORMATION+353 91 850 546
OPERATING HOURSMon - Fri, 10 am - 6 pm

Sat, 10 am - 4 pm

CriteriaRatings
Variety★★★★☆ (4/5)
Cost★★★★☆ (4/5)
Accessibility★★★★★ (5/5)
Value★★★★★ (5/5)

Athenry Opticians has been frequented by locals for the past 20 years as an independent and family-run business.

They offer a wide selection of glasses frames and designs from brands such as Modo, Gucci, Jaguar, and more. On top of that, they also sell contact lenses that come in three-month and six-month packs.

However, we were a bit bummed that only their contact lenses are available to purchase via their online store. So, if you want to buy glasses, you’ll have to visit them in-store.

Apart from that, they also have a series of eye health examinations, which is one of the reasons they’re distinct from our other entries. They offer retinal imaging, behavioural optometry, and other advanced eye tests.

It’s also worth noting that they offer eye examinations for individuals with Down syndrome. We think this service definitely deserves a plus since they’re experienced in assessing their vision and creating custom glasses.

They also offer vision therapy programs. Here, a specific care program is made to help patients correct their eyesight and strengthen their eye muscles.

Did we mention that they also have medical card and PRSI benefits? Here, you get a free eye examination and standard spectacles as long as you fit their criteria for eligibility.

With that said, if you’re looking for a clinic that offers an expanded selection of eye examinations, you may want to check out Athenry Opticians.

They’re open six days a week, but keep in mind that they close a bit earlier on Saturdays.

Pros

  • Expansive selection of eye examinations
  • Medical card and PRSI entitlements
  • Can assess and make glasses for those with Down syndrome
  • Offer vision therapy programs
  • Open six days a week

Cons

  • Closed on Sundays
  • Only contact lenses are available in their online store

Customer Reviews

Absolutely superb service

“Absoutley superb service. The most thorough eye exam I’ve ever had, everything explained in detail. It wasn’t rushed and I didn’t feel like I was taking up time. The staff are so experienced, knowledgeable and so friendly. I highly recommend and I will never again attend another large chain of eyewear specialists (they shall remain nameless)” – Jane Walsh

Great caring and understanding experience

“Great caring and understanding experience for our 5 year old daughter Elyse. She now wants to be an optician when she will grow up! Thank you so much” – Ioana Mullins

4. Spectacular Opticians

Spectacular Opticians Homepage
TestInfo
SERVICESEye examinations, driver’s license reports, and more
PRODUCTSEyeglasses, sunglasses, and more
WEBSITEhttps://spectacularopticiansloughrea.ie/
ADDRESSMain Street Main St, Loughrea, Galway
CONTACT INFORMATION+353 91 870 606
OPERATING HOURSTue - Fri, 10 am - 1 pm, 2 pm - 5 pm

Sat, 10:30 am - 1 pm, 2 pm - 4 pm (by appointment)

CriteriaRatings
Variety★★★★☆ (4/5)
Cost★★★★☆ (4/5)
Accessibility★★★★★ (5/5)
Value★★★★☆ (4/5)

Serving the Galway community for the last 10 years, Spectacular Opticians is home to experienced professionals that administer comprehensive eye examinations as well as offer eyewear that suit all ages and budgets.

They have a wide eyewear selection carrying brands such as Missoni, Tommy Hilfiger, Jooly, and more.

If you’re overwhelmed by their selection, you can even request a style consultation with one of their staff members to give you a better idea of what kind of frames suit your face shape and budget.

Did we mention that they also have advanced lens technology? Here, your lenses can be made with custom coatings or treatment from their French manufacturer, Essilor.

These include adding a blue light filter, anti-glare, polarized lenses, and so on. Hence, if you’re looking to customize your pair, you may want to pay them a visit.

Apart from that, they also do comprehensive and thorough eye examinations which can even be used for driver’s license reports. Here, they’ll assess your eye health, visual function, and early signs of eye conditions.

They also offer medical card and PRSI entitlements, though they don’t elaborate much about this on their website. We suggest giving them a ring in case you have any queries.

Plus, they have an online store where you can purchase eyewear accessories such as lens cleaners, contact lens solutions, eye drops, and more.

Pros

  • Offers custom coatings or treatments for lenses
  • Has online store
  • Medical card and PRSI entitlements

Cons

  • Closed on Sundays and Mondays
  • Only eyewear accessories are available in their online store

Customer Reviews

Fantastic opticians

“Fantastic opticians. They really have been a huge help to my daughter since she started wearing glasses.” – Harry R.

Great care and service

“I decided to book my eye appointment in spectacular after the great care and service my partner received there. The girls are great – professional, friendly, and accommodating. I was very well looked after every step of the way and picked up my new glasses today. I would highly recommend spectacular opticians. Thanks Sinead and Sinead!” – Claire Masterson

5. Oranmore Optometrists

Oranmore Optometrists Homepage
TestInfo
SERVICESChildren’s eye care, eye examinations, OCT scans, and more
PRODUCTSPrescription lenses, contact lenses, and more
WEBSITEhttps://oranmoreopticians.ie/
ADDRESSOran Town Centre, 2a, Bóthar an Stáisiúin, Oranmore, Co. Galway
CONTACT INFORMATION+353 91 788 537
OPERATING HOURSMon & Wed - Sat, 9:30 am - 5:30 pm

Tue, 9:30 am - 7 pm

Sat, 10 am - 2 pm

CriteriaRatings
Variety★★★★☆ (4/5)
Cost★★★★☆ (4/5)
Accessibility★★★★★ (5/5)
Value★★★★☆ (4/5)

Founded in 2003, Oranmore Optometrists is a well-liked clinic in Galway primarily because of their staff.

Past clients that we’ve gotten in touch with raved about how attentive and professional staff members were, helping in any way they can.

Another reason they made it on our list was because of their specialized eye care services for children. In particular, they offer thorough ophthalmic examinations for children below four years.

Apart from that, they also offer comprehensive eye examinations for older individuals, too. Here, they’ll assess your eye health and vision to see if you require spectacles, contact lenses, and so on.

You can also opt for their 3D OCT scan if you want an assessment in advanced detail. This is also used to determine early signs of ocular conditions such as glaucoma, diabetes, cataract, and more.

Did we mention that they also offer a driving license eye exam? For extra convenience, you can even book same-day and next-day appointments.

As for their eyeglasses, they have a wide array of frames and designs that will best fit your budget and personal style.

Oh, another thing worth mentioning is that they also offer custom coatings and treatments for your lenses. These include transition, polarized, tinted, and more to best fit your needs.

They also sell safety, occupational, and sports eyewear. Aside from being lightweight and comfortable, we hear that they’re also quite durable, too.

Pros

  • Open six days a week
  • Expansive selection of eye examinations
  • Offer ophthalmic examination for children under four years
  • Offer driving license eye exam
  • Offers custom coatings or treatments for lenses
  • Offers sports, occupational, and safety eyewear

Cons

  • Closed on Sundays
  • Busy clinic

Customer Reviews

Staff here were brilliant

“I don’t ever do reviews but I feel obliged in this case. I went for an eye test as I felt my eyes were being strained looking at screens most of the day. The staff here were brilliant and the optician Judd didn’t settle until she found the perfect lens for me. If any of ye reading this are having a similar problem or just feel ye need a check, id highly recommend this place.” – Stephen Odea

Wonderful service

“Wonderful experience at the  Oranmore Optometrists. I have been a client here for a number of years and I have always been delighted with the excellent customer service. Once again I had my eye test last week and Jude is just brilliant and extremely professional and extremely thorough, such a high quality service. The office is meticulously maintained and so bright and spacious. Jude was so helpful in choosing my new frames which are beautiful and very reasonably priced. Thank you Jude and Team for a wonderful service..” – Valerie Kelly

FAQs about Opticians in Galway


That concludes our top recommendations for the best opticians in Galway! All that’s left for you to do is to pay them a visit to have your eye care needs sorted out.

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