Opticians are easy to find in Dublin, from small independent practitioners to multi-national franchises, usually situated in shopping areas. Both glasses and contact lenses are widely available, and a number of online retailers specialising in contact lenses are now opening in Dublin. They tend to offer very competitive pricing, although few offer optician services. Regular eye check-ups are a good idea. Eyesight can deteriorate quickly unnoticed, and the eye can also serve as an early-warning system for illnesses. If you are concerned about your eyesight or feel you may need specialist care, the first person you should see is your optician. An optician cannot diagnose an eye disease, but they are trained to recognise warning signs and can refer you to an ophthalmologist (a medical doctor specialising in eye care). If you are concerned about your child’s eyesight, the same procedure applies.

Laser eye surgery is also growing in popularity, although not everyone who wears glasses or contact lenses is suitable for the procedure. It can cost up to €2,000 per eye, but check the details carefully as some clinics quote prices including aftercare and follow-up visits, so the higher price may represent the best value. The immediate recovery period is a few days, but most clinics advise extra caution for at least a month afterwards. It is also possible to claim tax relief on the cost of laser eye surgery.