Sponsor Profile - Specsavers Castlebar
THE eyes are windows to the soul, says the old adage. Specsavers Castlebar would add just one extra word and say that healthy eyes are the windows to the soul.
“Eye health is vitally important,' explains Niamh O’Connell of Specsavers Castlebar. “Everyone is familiar with the idea of going for an eye test when they have problems with their sight. “What’s not quite so well understood is that eye tests are equally important for people with perfect vision. Signs of serious medical problems can be detected at an early stage. “Our primary job is in eye examination and prescribing of glasses and we pride ourselves on keeping abreast of all ophthalmic developments. We have a fundus camera which enables us to take images of the back of the eye and the retina.”
Indeed eye tests do reveal much more than just how good (or bad) vision is. People with diabetes are very well aware that they should
have their eyes tested very regularly and there is a national screening programme in place for this. Specsavers Castlebar are an official screening location and have undergone specialist training for this. However an eye test can also flag broader health issues such as blood pressure problems, glaucoma and even the presence of some tumours.
“It’s a good idea for everyone to get their eyes tested every so often,' says Rachel Murphy, Retail Director, Specsavers Castlebar. “We
recommend an annual eye test, particularly for those over the age of 40.”
The recent surge of interest in healthy living and sports has coincided neatly with technological advances in contact lenses.
“Contact lenses are now available for reading as well as for distance sight,” says Niamh O’Connell. “This makes them really suitable for active people. They are ideal for almost any sport really.” Cyclists are one group who have taken to contact lens wearing like the proverbial duck to water. Lenses are much more convenient than glasses, they can be worn on their own or under sunglasses and they aren’t affected by rain showers. They can wear the lenses under wraparound sunglasses which protect them from sun, wind and flies, while still having perfect vision.
Runners also find contact lenses handy whether it’s for a Parkrun on a Saturday, or long distance training and events. Anyone who enjoys a ski holiday will appreciate popping lenses in and being able to switch from goggles to sunglasses at will.
Specsavers Castlebar has been located on Hopkins Road since 2005. The team has built steadily from eight to 13 people and they aim to provide the best possible eye care to their ever growing customer base.
Children are particularly well looked after and they stock an excellent range of attractive and functional frames for children’s glasses. Adults will find everything from stylish budget frames right up to fashion brands FCUK, John Rocha, Karl Lagerfeld, Karen Millen
and Converse.
Call in and check out the retail side of the shop next time you’re passing – you’ll enjoy the experience.