One morning, my surroundings seemed cloudier than ever. I struggled to find the bus stop, and I didn’t see the right one in time. I tried hailing a cab, and it turned out it was my buddy heading to work!
That’s when I learned I needed a new pair of glasses. I was late for work, so I had to head to the office first. During lunch, I looked online for the best opticians in Limerick.
After work, I checked the stores I found on the Internet and dropped by a few I’ve seen around. Here are my top choices!
How much do eye tests cost in Limerick?
Eye tests in Limerick usually cost around €30 to €60. The price varies depending on whether you’re eligible for a free eye test or optical benefits from your Medical Card. Also, the total fee may increase due to additional procedures like an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) test.
How We Chose The Best Opticians in Limerick
- Quality of Care: We selected opticians that provide high-quality care based on our experiences. Also, I asked a few customers I came across to confirm their satisfaction with these stores.
- Professionalism: These eyecare clinics conduct themselves professionally while remaining respectful and attentive.
- Communication: We picked opticians who explained treatments in simple terms, making it easy to choose the right products and services.
- Empathy and Compassion: It can be awkward inside an eye clinic, especially with the strange reading tests and the lens sampling devices. That’s why having friendly experts can put you at ease.
- Facilities and Equipment: We chose the opticians that had the latest equipment and the cleanest facilities. They’re dealing with eyes, so sanitation is a must.
- Wait Times: We chose optician clinics with reasonable wait times. Like most customers, I’d like to continue my routine as soon as possible, so I need my new frames immediately.
- Accessibility: We chose the opticians that had the most convenient office hours and location.
- Billing and insurance: The eye clinics don’t add unexpected fees and provide comprehensive details.
1. Specsavers
Specsavers is almost everywhere in Limerick, so it wasn’t hard to pay a visit. However, this is the only time I entered one of the branches to see their products and services.
I found that they have a wide selection of brands and services. For example, this optician in Limerick offers sleek frames from Adidas and Hugo.
I also appreciated how Specsavers offers sophisticated tests outside the usual eye exams. For example, it offers Optical Coherence Tomography, a technology that takes a 3D image of the back of your eye.
Doctors can use it to spot serious eye conditions like glaucoma four years earlier than other methods.
I didn’t want to just rely on the store’s promotional material, so I chatted with the other customers. Fortunately, they confirmed my positive experience as they also have a wonderful time at Specsavers!
They appreciate how quick the eye tests are, letting them enjoy their new eyewear as soon as possible.
I put this to the test by requesting an eye test from the manager. I was pleasantly surprised that Specsavers has some of the friendliest opticians in Limerick!
The manager and I had a wonderful time discussing my eye health and choosing glasses. Another thing I loved about this eyecare store was the cool promos.
For instance, signing up for the Easycare package gives 50% off contact lenses for three months.
Still, I felt relieved I went there while there weren’t a lot of people. Specsavers is a huge chain, so it usually has many customers. It can be hard to get an appointment.
Visited got new lens in my glasses
“Visited got new lens in my glasses. Was very impressed with the level of safety and the staff were very helpful and made my visit as relaxed as possible. All the staff in the Limerick store were great.”
- Deirdre O Brien, TrustPilot
The staff are friendly
“The staff are friendly, efficient and cooperative at Cruises Street. Limerick…”
- Joe Hyde, TrustPilot
2. Vision 2 Opticians
I checked the address and location of the Vision 2 Opticians office, and I had to double check. At first glance, it seemed like a fancy fashion outlet like Prada.
I entered the door, and I confirmed that it was an eyecare center. It featured the usual brands like Oakley and Ray-Ban, but a particularly chunky pair of glasses caught my attention.
I asked the representative about them, and I learned that they’re prescription safety glasses. They had a sturdier frame than typical bifocals, but they corrected vision for near-sighted and far-sighted folks.
I asked if Vision 2 Opticians had other unique products, so she turned my attention to the shelves at the back.
I was pleasantly surprised that they did have stuff I hadn’t seen before, such as prescription swimming goggles. As the name suggests, they improve vision for visually impaired folks like me underwater.
I also found out that they had daily disposable contact lenses. I don’t like wearing contacts because they make my eyes itch, but I may pick a pair for special events.
After all, I like to mix it up a little by not wearing glasses all the time. Needless to say, Vision 2 is one of the best opticians in Limerick in my eyes.
However, one issue I had with the store was they only had around six staff members. Perhaps I just visited when they were on a break, but that can be an issue if they receive more customers.
“Highly recommend. So spacious. Great staff.”
- Valerie Murphy, Facebook
“Just went for an eye test today and was amazed by the staff and the optician herself, so kind and extremely professional.Couldn’t recommend enough.”
- Millena Torres, Facebook
3. Delaney Opticians
Delaney Opticians is a few blocks away from the last eyecare clinic I checked, so I walked to it. The store had a pleasing blue and yellow exterior that was truly pleasing to the eyes.
I entered the store and found a huge assortment of glasses and contact lenses. However, what truly caught my eye was that it offers prescription glasses for certain eye problems.
For example, they provide prescription pairs for those with cataracts. These are characterized by clouding in the lens of the eye, causing blurred or hazy vision.
It’s more common among the elderly, so you may want to bring your grandmother here if she needs a new pair of glasses.
However, I told the staff that my eyes frequently felt dry, so I kept rubbing them. In response, they recommended their Dry Eye Clinic.
Delaney says a person’s eyes can feel dry constantly from numerous factors like lifestyle. They provided me with some lubricating eye drops and told me I should return after a week if the itching persisted.
I can buy my new bifocals here, but it seemed that Delaney Opticians are also a great option for more unique eye conditions.
Even better, I might just drive here as customers get a free 1-hour car parking in the City Centre Car Park nearby!
However, I may have to exert a bit more effort in scheduling my next visit as they close on Sundays and Mondays. That can be a slight inconvenience for others who may want to try its services.
“I had my frames done with them and I couldn’t be happier! The prices were reasonable and the waiting time was exactly as they promised! Definitely recommend them!”
- Angeliki Chanteli, Google
“Very friendly staff with quick and efficient service, ring for an appointment. Reasonable fee for eye tests, highly recommend for driving test reports.”
- Malith Randimal, Google
4. Hartmann Opticians
Hartmann Opticians seemed like a jewelry store from a distance due to its golden facade. I entered expecting a fancy store, but it turned out to be far more than that.
I found that the place had a lot of furniture and furnishings that seemed decades old. They seemed like antiques that jumped out of an old faded photo!
I commended the decor to one of the staff, and they explained that Hartmann’s is one of the oldest practices in the country.
Micheal Hartmann established the store in 1930 to facilitate his optometry practice. Nowadays, some of his descendants continue to operate the business.
That means this eye care center is a piece of history and a family business, so walking around it feels like being in a museum.
In other words, Hartmann sets itself apart from the other opticians in Limerick with its old-timey feel.
Another way it stands out from the competition is its VDU Examination. The acronym stands for “visual display unit,” a more technical term for electronic screens.
Prolonged exposure to their digital glow can cause various problems like dry eyes and headaches. I may try this out sometime as I’m starting to feel dizzy while typing away at the office.
That will probably be super convenient since Hartmann Opticians completes eye tests in 30 minutes or less.
However, I can’t help but point out that most of the brands it carries are expensive. It might not be the best for you if you’re looking for budget-friendly eyewear.
“Everyone at Hartmanns is so kind and helpful and they have the most amazing selection of frames. Thanks Kate and Helga for helping me with my new glasses.. I love them!”
- Racha, Google
“Great customer service very indept eye test and follow up care of clients. I have gone from the cattle market of spec savers to the calmness and professionalism of Hartmans I am more than a number here .”
- Sandy Gavra, Google
5. Glasshouse Opticians
Glasshouse Opticians is more than meets the eye. It may seem like a simple store, but as I looked closer, this independently owned business provides the basics for everyone’s eye needs with the latest technologies.
I’m already used to the typical eye test, but the staff explained to me that they use high-resolution 3D imaging for the eye tests for more in-depth results.
I explained that I was also having trouble with red eye. They dried too often, making them itch at the worst moments. In response, the Glasshouse representative recommended an OCT.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) helps detect potentially serious eye conditions at the soonest. I told them I would try some eye drops first.
The staff member understood and then discussed that eye conditions are becoming more common nowadays.
In particular, myopia or nearsightedness is becoming more prevalent, especially among children. Moreover, the representative added that by 2050, 50% of the world’s population will become nearsighted.
That’s why Glasshouse is one of the opticians in Limerick that provides myopia control for younger customers via special eyeglasses and contact lenses.
I might consider that when I and my nephew drop by to see the TUS Gaelic Grounds. It’s a few blocks away from Glasshouse Opticians, so we might stop by. That can also be convenient if you’re a fan of Gaelic football who needs a new pair of glasses.
However, I wish the store expands its selection of eyeglasses as they didn’t have as much variety as other stores.
“The test was very thorough and done without any fuss by Pieter who seems to have endless knowledge of his profession.”
- John K. Kelly Eyecare
“Very thorough eye check with comments on possible health issues. And the new glasses are perfectly set and comfortable to wear.”
- Michel L. Kelly Eyecare