If you know nothing about the best optometrists in Dublin, then this article will fill you in with necessary info about these specialists!
We’ve combed through all of Dublin and handpicked the best clinics to include in our list. We reviewed their services, rates, facilities, and more.
You’ll see that for yourself as we delve deeper into each one of them. Choosing the right one might just be a click away!
How much do optometrists charge in Dublin?
The Best Optometrists in Dublin
Before we get into our top picks, let’s quickly go through the criteria that we used to select our entries.
Without further ado, here are our top picks.
1. Specsavers
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| SCOPE OF SERVICES | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| QUALITY | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| VARIETY | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| SERVICE QUALITY | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| EQUIPMENT & FACILITIES | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| ACCESSIBILITY | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| COST | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| CUSTOMER SERVICE | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
If location accessibility is a key factor in your selection process, you’ll appreciate that Specsavers is an optical and hearing clinic with a branch in nearly every city.
From Arklow to Wexford, there’s always a clinic nearby. All their clinics employ certified opticians and audiologists to offer their healthcare services.
Focusing on eye care, they offer glasses, lenses, contact lenses, eye tests, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans.
We appreciate the fact that if you can’t make it to their clinic, they offer online services, too. They offer a free consultation called RemoteCare where you can chat via video or phone with one of their optometrists.
Shopping can be done remotely, too. You can purchase glasses online as long as you have your prescription to ensure that the lenses match your current eye grade.
Did we mention they also have virtual try-on technology? This is a great way to virtually try glasses to see if they suit your face and style within the comforts of your home.
Their glasses come in a variety of collections for different ages and genders. They even have designer brands and sunglasses collections, too.
We think this wide collection gives people a number of options to work with, taking into consideration individual preferences and budgets.
Aside from glasses, you can also buy contact lenses and their solutions online. They’ll even deliver them right to your front door free of charge.
As for their contact lenses, they have daily, weekly, and monthly types as well as multifocal, toric, and disposable kinds. All of which come from a variety of manufacturers and brands.
Anyhow, if you aren’t sure of your eye grade, you can easily ring them up or book online for an in-store eye test.
However, keep in mind that due to their popularity, it may be difficult to secure an appointment. Hence, we recommend booking ASAP to secure a slot.
Their inconsistent business hours may also be confusing to some. Nevertheless, we appreciate that they’re open daily.
To add to the list of positives for this clinic, they also offer an OCT scan. They have state-of-the-art technology that allows you to see a 2D and 3D scan of your eye as well as the inner layers, too.
We think that their OCT services are worth checking out if you’re eyeing a more in-depth eye assessment.
Lastly, we want to highlight the wide selection of services that Specsavers offers. Because of this, they make a good choice if you’re eyeing a one-stop-shop.
Pros
- Open daily
- Free teleconsultation
- Has online shop
- Has virtual try-on technology for glasses
- Free delivery for contact lenses and solutions
- Has online booking
Cons
- Fluctuating business hours
- May be difficult to secure an appointment due to popularity
Customer Reviews
Staff were so lovely helpful and I was in and out before I knew it
“The staff were so lovely helpful and I was in and out before I knew it! It was my first pair of glasses and I didn’t feel under pressured to pick a pair quickly but rather encouraged to make sure they were right for me. thanks so much to who helped me earlier today (forgot their name, sorry) you were fantastic!” – Oliver Flitcroft, Google Reviews
They took their time showing me all the options available to suit my budget
“I had a very positive experience. Staff are so helpful and really looked after me. They took their time showing me all the options available to suit my budget. I look forward to my next visit. I walked out of the store feeling like a very valued customer.” – Deirdre Turner
2. Vision Express Opticians
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| SCOPE OF SERVICES | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| QUALITY | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| VARIETY | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| SERVICE QUALITY | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| EQUIPMENT & FACILITIES | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| ACCESSIBILITY | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| COST | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| CUSTOMER SERVICE | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Operating since 1997, Vision Express Opticians has grown to have over 550 branches across Ireland and the UK.
They carry a wide range of over 1,000+ prescription glasses with various styles and brands for all genders and ages. Their extensive collection provides a ton of options to accommodate customer styles and budgets.
What caught our attention was that they offer lifetime servicing. This will surely come in handy should your glasses require any repairs.
Aside from that, they also sell sunglasses in different styles from various brands. We also like that you can even add prescriptions to these lenses to make them multi-functional.
They also offer a 100-day returns guarantee along with free home delivery. Their guarantee is a safety net should their glasses become faulty or defective throughout this period.
On top of glasses, they also sell contact lenses that are single vision, toric, and multifocal. These can be replaced daily, biweekly, and monthly, too.
To add to their list of advantages, they also offer a number of eye-related accessories. These include eye drops, microfibre cleaning cloths, lens cleaning wipes, to name a few.
When it comes to eye health, you can conveniently book an appointment via their website or give them a ring. Plus, their eye tests will be done in 25 minutes or less.
They’re open daily but have irregular working hours, which may be confusing to some. They’re also quite popular, so it may be difficult to book an appointment.
On a brighter note, their optometrists are efficient and use the latest optical technology, too. Hence, if a traditional eye test doesn’t suffice, you can opt for an OCT test for an extensive assessment.
Oh, and an important aspect worth mentioning: they have a Grand Advantage Card. This card gives you breakage protection, discounts on purchases, and savings on replacements and repairs as well as a no-claim reward discount.
This little add-on is a practical fuss-free glasses insurance that even has benefits. Even so, we still recommend reading the fine print to ensure that you’re fully aware of all the details.
Pros
- Open daily
- Free 100 days return guarantee
- Free home delivery
- Free lifetime servicing for glasses
- Offers Grand Advantage Card
- Has online booking
- Has online shop
Cons
- Fluctuating business hours
- May be difficult to secure an appointment due to popularity
Customer Reviews
Going above and beyond with my request
“I’d like to commend the store manager Andrew for going above and beyond with my request. Due to my eye stigma and the specific requirements for varifocals, my eye doctor recommended that I should go to smaller outlets to get the attention I would need for my condition. But due to keen prices at Vision Express, I tried them in 2019 and was very happy with my lenses – they were the best I ever had. So I decided to go with them again in 2020 and the lenses just weren’t right, and instead of going back to the shop, I just put them in a drawer and never wore them. I went back recently to find out why there was such a difference between the two pairs, so I knew what to ask for for going forward. Andrew said they would have put them right if I had come back to say they weren’t right. However, he took took them off me and corrected them free of charge, although this is nearly two years after! On top of that, whilst in the shop on two occasions, the place was very busy with customers, but each customer was attended to very professionally and were given the time and attention you would expect. As a result of this experience, I will be returning time and time again.” – Eric Brunell, Google Reviews
The optometrists are excellent
“I’ve been going to the Henry St. Branch for a number of years now and I can’t fault them. The Optometrists are excellent (Deirdre O’Donnell picked up an issue with my optic nerves and referred me on to A&E a year or so back and am very thankful for that). The Sales Staff are equally as good and offer great customer service, nothing is too much trouble. Very professional but all in a friendly, relaxing atmosphere. Special mention goes to Ann Prendergast & Mark for their assistance this time around.” – Christina Noctor, Google Reviews
3. Mac Nally Opticians
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| SCOPE OF SERVICES | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| QUALITY | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| VARIETY | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| SERVICE QUALITY | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| EQUIPMENT & FACILITIES | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| ACCESSIBILITY | ★★☆☆☆ (2/5) |
| COST | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| CUSTOMER SERVICE | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
With over 25 years of industry experience, Mac Nally Opticians provides eye-related services such as tests and exams along with eyewear.
We appreciate the convenience of the online booking feature on their website. But if you’re more old school, sending them an email or giving them a ring works just as fine.
We were quite bummed that they only have one branch and that they’re closed on weekends. Even so, past clients that we’ve spoken to say there isn’t much of a waiting time anyway.
In terms of their eye health services, they offer a series of exams and tests. Their comprehensive eye exam is a thorough assessment of the current condition of your vision.
What caught our eye was how detailed their screening is. Their optometrists and their sophisticated clinical equipment can detect early signs of conditions such as glaucoma and cataract, to name a few.
If you have pay-related social insurance (PRSI), you can claim certain benefits on your tests and prescription glasses. You can have this done in the store with the assistance of their team.
Speaking of prescription glasses, they have a wide range of designer frame choices and collections to suit a variety of lifestyles and budgets.
On top of that, they also have sunglasses with varying designs and tints to choose from. You can even add a prescription to your sunglasses to make them more functional, too.
Did we mention you can even book a style consultation? This is great for people who are unsure of what frame styles and shapes best fit their face shape and personal fashion.
However, keep in mind that their products are quite pricey. Hence, we think they’re more suitable for individuals who prefer designer eyewear and have the budget for it.
For deliveries, they ship through An Post for a small fee of €10 for orders below €200 while orders above this will be free of charge.
If their products aren’t for you, you can return them within 28 days of purchase for a full refund. Be sure to read the fine print to learn more about the requirements.
Pros
- Has online booking
- Has online shop
- Offers free delivery for orders above €200
- Offers full refund within 28 days of purchase
Cons
- Only has one branch
- Closed on weekends
- Pricey
Customer Reviews
They got me in with a few minutes wait and then were quite patient
“Fantastic personal service! I just got back from another successful experience at Mac Nally’s. They got me in with a few minutes wait and then were quite patient while I dithered over the huge selection. I finally picked out a pair, and David even remembered that pre-pandemic I had part of my current glasses replaced and the part had come in! I don’t know many shops that are able to give service like that in this era, and it is highly appreciated. Thank you for another successful eye experience!” — Clea Zolotow, Google Reviews
Service was incredibly quick and helpful
“Great customer service! I went here to get some contact lenses while on vacation and the service was incredibly quick and helpful. Highly recommend!” – Maximilian Newcamp
4. Mairead O’Leary Opticians
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| SCOPE OF SERVICES | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| QUALITY | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| VARIETY | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| SERVICE QUALITY | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| EQUIPMENT & FACILITIES | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| ACCESSIBILITY | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| COST | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| CUSTOMER SERVICE | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
A trusted local favorite, Mairead O’Leary Opticians is an independently-run optical clinic since 1996. They have two branches in Dublin, specifically in Blanchardstown and Rathmines.
Among all their offerings, what stood out to us was their corporate services. They offer a comprehensive color vision test and supply safety spectacles and goggles.
In particular, their test is the Ishihara color test, which is a requirement for pilots and electricians. Meanwhile, their safety eyewear is most commonly used in industrial companies.
They’ve been supplying safety eyewear for over 20 years. They can even provide an on-site testing service to provide employers with a full assessment of each employee’s advised eyewear.
Did we mention that they also offer driver sight testing? This is the test that all driver’s license applicants need to pass to qualify.
As for their spectacle range, they have a wide variety of prescription glasses and sunglasses with various frame styles, colors, materials, and brands.
We also appreciate the fact that if you only wish to replace the lenses, they can do that, too. Their lens types include occupational, progressive, photochromatic, and so on.
They also have a wide selection of contact lenses. These include colored, disposable, extended-wear, multifocal, and toric as well as biweekly and monthly kinds.
We were a wee bit disappointed that they didn’t have their rates online. This is quite a bother since customers will have to visit their stores to check prices.
Nevertheless, you can easily book an in-store appointment via their website or give them a ring. They’re open from Mondays to Saturdays and as late as 9PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Pros
- Has online booking
- Has online shop
- Offers driver sight testing
- Supplies safety spectacles and goggles
- Offers the Ishihara color test
Cons
- Closed on Sundays
- Rates not available online
Customer Reviews
Takes great care of her clients
“Mairead O Leary is easily the best Opticians I’ve experienced in my life. I’ve had eyesight issues my entire life and I turned 60 so been to quite a few in my day. Mairead herself is completely professional and particularly empathetic as I recently lost vision in one eye and she takes great care of her clients. Staff on the front desk are very helpful too. A shout out to Sandra. So good I send my family & friends there. Couldn’t recommend this spot highly enough.” – Breda Eiffe, Google Reviews
The staff are top class—always willing to find the right glasses within my price bracket
“I have been with Mairead O’Leary Opticians for decades and appreciate the personal, professional service they always offer. The staff are top class – always willing to find the right glasses within my price bracket – and especially helpful to my daughter who requires special assistance. I appreciate their annual reminders to have an eye test and their help in claiming VHI and Social Welfare benefits. I can recommend them unreservedly.” – Dublin Evelyn, Google Reviews
5. McCartan Opticians
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| SCOPE OF SERVICES | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| QUALITY | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| VARIETY | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| SERVICE QUALITY | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| EQUIPMENT & FACILITIES | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| ACCESSIBILITY | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| COST | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| CUSTOMER SERVICE | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
McCartan Opticians is an Irish-owned clinic that was first established in 1935 at Lower Baggot St. before closing down and moving to Ringsend in 1987 where it permanently stands today.
Though a quaint practice clinic, clients that we’ve spoken to have cited this as the reason why their optometrists are very attentive to their individual needs.
Keep in mind that they’re only open on weekdays, though. This may be troublesome if the clinic is experiencing an influx of clients.
Nevertheless, we think they’re worth checking out because they also perform home visits. With this service, they can visit your home, hospital ward, or nursing home to administer a complete eye test.
Did we mention that this can also be covered by your medical card? With this, a specific range of glasses can also be covered for up to two years.
To add, PRSI workers can also have eye examinations covered every two years. However, expenses outside this should be covered by the patient.
Speaking of eye examinations, they can perform this assessment in their store. There, they can assess your eye grade and provide prescription glasses.
If you want a more in-depth health check, they can perform screenings for cataracts, glaucoma, and other general ocular signs of general health problems.
Aside from that, they can also perform contact lens examinations. With this service, they can check your wearing habits and assess your eye health, too.
We appreciate the fact that their opticians will discuss your options if ever you find that your contact lenses are not comfortable or suitable for you.
They’ll even source free trial contact lenses for you to try. We appreciate this little touch since clients get to test out what best fits them without any cost.
On top of that, they’re also qualified to perform driving eyesight tests. This is acceptable for both Category 1 and Category 2 licenses, too.
Other than that, they also perform color vision testing, which is commonly used for certain industrial occupations.
As for their spectacles, a complete pair of glasses starts at €70. They have a wide range of frames with varying styles, shapes, and colors for every personal style and budget.
If a frame that you like isn’t available in-store, they have a catalog that you can browse through. Afterward, they can order it for you to try on without any obligation to buy.
Did we mention that they also deliver? Your package will be delivered via bike if it’s close enough to the shop, but if not, a shipment can be arranged.
Overall, we think they’re a good choice if you’re looking for a local practice that offers complete optical services.
Pros
- Performs home visits
- Offers free trial contact lenses
- Offers driver sight testing
- Offers color vision test
Cons
- Closed on weekends
- Rates not available online
Customer Reviews
A no-rush environment with plenty of time for discussion and advice
“Fantastic experience as a first-time customer. Jason is a courteous, professional and thorough optician. A no-rush environment with plenty of time for discussion and advice. It was clear to me that the team at McCartan have fostered close and trusting relationships with the Ringsend community, which is great to see in an age of high-street opticians. A lovely practice that I know would happily set time aside for me if I ever needed it.” – Aaron Hastings, Google Reviews
Took excellent care of me as a new customer
“McCartans took excellent care of me as a new customer, from the very first phone call where receptionist Nolleen was super friendly & helpful to my eye examination with Jason who was not only extremely informative but made me feel at ease straight away with his lovely manner & expertise. I wouldn’t go anywhere else, their customer care is second to none. Thank you!” – Kathriona Lynch, Google Reviews
FAQs about Optometrists
And there you have it, folks! We hope that our list of the best optometrists in Dublin helped you find a clinic to solve all your eye-related problems.
Since we’re already on the topic of health, if you’re on the hunt for other wellness recommendations why not check out our top recommendations here: