Local Carlow Business celebrates 20 years of Serving the local community

Local business, Specsavers Carlow proudly marked its 20th anniversary of serving the Carlow community this month. For two decades, the store has been a trusted provider of exceptional eye and hearing care, becoming a familiar and friendly presence in the town.

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Since opening its doors in 2004 at Exchequer House, Potato Market, Specsavers Carlow has built a reputation for its commitment to the highest standard of care for patients of all ages. More than just a business, the store has become a place where generations have come for their eye care needs, building lasting relationships with the team. For staff like dispensing optician Dolores Farrell, she has had children come in for their first test to seeing them grow into young adults.

'Reaching this milestone has given us a chance to reflect on the journey,’ says Dolores, who, along with Kim Dunne has been a member of the team since its opening in 2004.

‘We are incredibly grateful for the unwavering support of the Carlow community over the past 20 years. It has been a privilege to witness firsthand the difference we’ve made in people’s lives, and that’s what makes this anniversary truly special.’

Dolores, who began as an optical assistant on the floor, has seen her own career develop over the years thanks to the training and further education opportunities that are available to staff. For Dolores, a source of pride in her role is being able to offer that personal touch to her customers, her team and community.

Carlow local, Lydia Foy, has been one of Specsavers Carlow’s first customers since its commencement and has been a loyal customer ever since. Lydia, who turned 77 in June, recalls the high level of care that was provided by the team when she received her cataract diagnosis - an eye condition in which the lens inside the eye loses its transparency.

‘When I moved over to Specsavers Carlow as a customer, I was impressed with the store's dedication to providing the best care, evident in their industry leading equipment available. With my cataract diagnosis, they quicky referred me for surgery and stayed close to my recovery. I’m delighted to witness the business continue to thrive over the years and wish them the best of luck’.

Another local, Jamie Barcoe, has been an avid sports player since a young age and it was this very reason that led him through the doors of Specsavers Carlow as a child. To better support his performance on the field, Jamie opted for contact lenses to ensure he didn’t lose sight of the ball. Dolores, who for many years has guided customers through their content lens experience, still remembers the day Jamie sat across from her!

Additionally, Jamie says: ‘It’s great to see a local business do well in Carlow and their dedication to the staff. I’ve always enjoyed popping into the store to browse because in an age of ever-growing technology, you can’t beat going in store.’

Retail director Grace O’Donnell says: ‘We are delighted to have been located here in the heart of the community for the last 20 years, providing the local people of Carlow with the best technology in eye and hearing care. The expertise of our colleagues, coupled with the technology available to them, makes Specsavers Carlow a great choice for optics and audiology services’.

Specsavers Carlow is a local community optician and hearing centre, where supporting local clubs and charities is a key part of the store’s culture. Aside from their sponsorship with the Dolmen Celtic Football Club, they are also dedicated to raising money and awareness all year round for The Hope Foundation, Specsavers charity partner for many years.