Bohan Opticians celebrates 20 years in Carrigaline
- Online Journalist
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
Before Christmas, Nicola Bohan Opticians celebrated 20 years helping Carrigaline see better.
Speaking to The Carrigdhoun, Nicola reflected on the town’s growth and the loyal community that has supported the practice since it first opened its doors in December 2005.
Originally trained in London, the dispensing optician began her career working in a busy city-centre practice, where she gained years of hands-on experience fitting frames and lenses. After building her expertise in the field, she decided to branch out on her own.
“I trained in London and worked in a practice in the city for a good few years before opening here in 2005,” she said. “I’m a dispensing optician, so I’m qualified in fitting frames and lenses.”
Since establishing the Carrigaline practice, the business has grown into a full-service operation. Alongside the dispensing optician, the team now includes two optometrists and two additional staff members who assist customers on the shop floor.
The decision to open in Carrigaline followed careful research. “We looked into the area and saw there was an opening in the market. When the premises came up, we just went for it,” she explained.
Over the past 20 years, the town has undergone significant change. Rapid population growth, new housing developments and an influx of young families have reshaped the area. According to the optician, these developments, along with an ageing population and the presence of nearby pharmaceutical companies requiring safety eyewear, have contributed positively to the business.
“There was definitely an opening in the market here,” she said. “And here we are, 20 years later.”
Despite the rise of online eyewear retailers, the practice has remained focused on its in-person, independent model. Rather than competing with online sellers, the optician emphasises the importance of professional fitting and personalised care.
“Spectacles should be fitted correctly. I’m trained to fit them properly,” she said. “A lot of people wear ill-fitted glasses and then wonder why they’re having problems. Particularly as you get older and need varifocals, the fitting is very important. We make sure the frame fits well and the lenses are centred correctly.”
In recent years, the business invested heavily in expansion, purchasing its own premises and carrying out a major renovation. The practice is now custom-built and equipped with advanced diagnostic technology, including a state-of-the-art OCT scanner.
“We’ve invested a lot in our testing room over the last three or four years. The technology we have now is at the forefront of eye care,” she said.
Comprehensive eye examinations are central to the practice’s ethos. She stresses that eye tests are not just about vision correction but are an essential health check — even for those who do not wear glasses. Many patients are entitled to free eye examinations through PRSI or medical card coverage, making regular visits accessible.
“It’s like going to the dentist,” she said. “Even if you never wear glasses, it’s important to pick up different health conditions early.”
While there are no immediate plans for further expansion, she says she is content with the business as it stands.
“I’m very happy in Carrigaline. We have great local support and a very good client base. People here are extremely friendly, very loyal and very pleasant to deal with,” she said.
Ultimately, she believes customer service is what keeps clients returning year after year.
“We want people to come in, have a good experience, and walk out with glasses they love that are fitted correctly. It’s about providing a professional, personal service and making sure people feel good when they leave.”
Two decades on, the practice remains firmly rooted in the community it first chose back in 2005, and continues to look ahead with clarity and focus.
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