“They need 10 stars! Valerie attended to every single person, and phone call, with dedication and passion — and finally an optician who could explain things in lay man's terms. I don't think I've ever left an optician before smiling.”
Optometrists, Patrick Street, Trim
Advanced Eye Care in Trim with Specialist Clinical Expertise.
A family-run practice combining over 20 years of experience with modern diagnostic technology and personalised, patient-focused care.
Open Tue to Sat
Established2003
In store1,000+ frames
Advanced Eye TestingAdults and Children
SchoolsiLert VR screening
Book an Eye Exam
Book nowMy Contact Lens Order
ReorderCheck My PRSI Medical Card Benefits
Check My Eligibility
“Every patient receives individual, attentive care tailored to their unique vision needs.”
Valerie Kennelly, Optometrist
Why choose us
Personalised Eye Care, Built Around You
Led by highly experienced optometrist Valerie Kennelly, our practice is built on a simple principle: every patient receives individual, attentive care tailored to their unique vision needs.
We take the time to understand not just your eyesight, but how your vision affects your daily life, learning, and performance.
- Specialist expertise in children's vision and development
- Advanced assessment of binocular vision and eye coordination
- Sports vision support for improved performance
- Access to innovative, technology-led treatment approaches
- An extensive range of over 1,000 spectacle frames, carefully selected to suit all ages, styles, and budgets
- Fully wheelchair accessible, and we are happy to assist with any additional needs
About the optometrist
Valerie Kennelly
B.Sc, F.A.O.I., M.C.O.
Valerie is a second-generation optometrist who has run a community practice in Trim, Co. Meath since 2003. She qualified from Glasgow Caledonian University in 1992 with an Honours Degree in Optometry, and has worked as a community optometrist ever since.
She has a special interest in children's and sports vision, regularly travelling to developing countries as a volunteer and gaining a close-up view of the global challenge of vision screening. Her late father, Ted, was one of five members of the Kennelly family to operate community pharmacies in Co. Kerry, and a founding member of the Association of Dispensing Opticians.
Our team
Lauren
Head of Purchases
Lauren has been a valued member of the Trim Optical Centre team for several years. Beginning her journey at reception, she quickly became known for her exceptional customer care and attention to detail. Today, as Head of Purchases, Lauren plays a key role in curating our extensive eyewear collections. Her extensive knowledge of frame styling helps customers of all ages, from our youngest frame seekers to our most mature clients. Lauren is passionate about helping every customer find frames that look great and feel perfect.
Eimear
Lab Technician & Frame Stylist
Eimear has been an integral part of the Trim Optical Centre team for the past five years. Having started at reception, she has developed a broad range of skills and now works as both a Lab Technician and Frame Stylist. Her attention to detail ensures every pair of glasses is prepared to the highest standard. Eimear enjoys helping patients find frames that complement their style, personality, and lifestyle. Her friendly approach and expertise make her a valued member of our team.
Elizabeth
Optometrist
Elizabeth is a highly experienced Optometrist who graduated from TU Dublin with an Honours Degree in Optometry. Her passion for eye care is evident in every patient consultation, and her compassionate approach helps patients feel comfortable and confident throughout their examination. With excellent clinical judgement and attention to detail, she carefully assesses every aspect of vision and eye health. Elizabeth takes the time to explain her findings and recommendations clearly, ensuring patients fully understand their eye care needs. Her expertise, professionalism, and dedication make her an invaluable part of the Trim Optical Centre team.
Services
What we do.
Each examination is thorough, unhurried, and tailored to the individual.
01
Eye Tests
Our eye examinations are designed to provide a complete understanding of your visual health. We assess:
Book02Children's Vision
Children's vision plays a critical role in learning and development. We assess key visual skills including:Early identification allows for timely support and better long-term outcomes.
Book03Sports Vision
Visual performance is a key component of athletic success. Our assessments focus on:Designed for athletes seeking to improve performance at any level.
Book04Eye Health
We provide diagnosis and management of a wide range of conditions, including:Our approach focuses on early detection and ongoing care.
BookChildren's vision
Myopia Management.
Myopia, or shortsightedness, can sometimes progress quickly in young children. At Trim Optical Centre we monitor the rate of progression and, where required, prescribe myopia-control spectacle and contact lens options to help slow it down.
Why myopia management matters
At -4.50 Ds
Compared to a child with no myopia, a child with this prescription is:
- 9× more likely to suffer retinal detachment
- 3× more likely to develop cataracts
- 2.3× more likely to develop glaucoma
- 10× more likely to develop macular degeneration
At -6.00 Ds
The risks rise further. A child with this prescription is:
- 21× more likely to suffer retinal detachment
- 5× more likely to develop cataracts
- 3× more likely to develop glaucoma
- Over 40× more likely to suffer macular degeneration
Vision for life — better vision care from childhood reduces the lifetime risk of eye disease.
Advanced diagnostics
OCT imaging.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is an advanced, non-invasive scan that captures a detailed cross-section of the layers beneath the surface of your eye — far more than a standard eye exam can reveal.
Think of it as an MRI for your eyes: in seconds, and without any contact, it lets us examine the retina, macula and optic nerve in fine detail.
Because it shows changes deep within the eye, OCT helps us detect conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease at their earliest stages — often before any change in your vision is noticeable. Earlier detection means earlier treatment and the best chance of protecting your sight.
We offer OCT as part of a thorough eye-health check and keep your results on file, so we can compare scans year on year and spot subtle changes over time.
Eyewear
1,000+ frames, fitted in house.
From quietly classical to confidently contemporary. Hand-selected for every age, style, and budget. Brand list and full collection from Valerie before launch.
Silhouette · Nike · DKNY · Dutz · Coco Mint · Longchamp
Classic acetate
Lightweight metal
Fitted to your prescription
Personal styling, in storeFeatured eyewear
Longchamp, Paris
A look at this season's collection from one of the designer houses we stock. Every frame is fitted and adjusted in practice, on the day.
Visit the practiceFree PRSI & Medical Card
Many adults qualify for a free eye exam.
Most working adults in Ireland qualify through PRSI (Treatment Benefit Scheme) or the Medical Card / GP Visit Card. The basic rules are below; we confirm your final eligibility with the Department of Social Protection before your visit.
You're entitled if you...
- Pay PRSI
- →At least 39 weeks of Class A, E, H, P, or S contributions in the relevant tax year (most employees and self-employed people).
- Have a Medical Card
- →You and your dependants are covered. Children under 16 are included.
- Have a GP Visit Card
- →Children under 8 with a GP Visit Card qualify automatically.
- Are 66+ on State Pension
- →Treatment Benefit continues into retirement.
Book a free PRSI examWe confirm eligibility before your visit. No commitment.
Check & sign your PRSI consent formI'm self-employed, do I qualify?+
Class S (self-employed) PRSI contributions count for Treatment Benefit since March 2017. With at least 39 weeks of Class S contributions in the relevant year, you qualify on the same basis as employees.
I have a Medical Card, what about my children?+
Children listed as dependants on your Medical Card are covered. Their eye exam is free, including the children's vision tests we specialise in.
What's the difference between PRSI and Medical Card?+
PRSI covers a routine eye exam roughly every two years. The Medical Card scheme covers the same exam plus a contribution toward a basic pair of spectacles when clinically required. We apply whichever scheme suits you on the day.
How do I confirm my eligibility?+
We do it on your behalf. When you book, choose "PRSI Free Eye Exam" or "Medical Card Free Eye Exam" and we'll confirm with the Department of Social Protection before your visit. Nothing to pay if you qualify.
In their own words
What patients say.
Every one of these is a genuine review left by our patients on Google.
“Hubby got great glasses here and the staff were very helpful.”
“Heard so many good things about this place, but my experience today was beyond all expectations! Everyone was super kind and professional, especially Elizabeth who really understood my needs. Huge thanks to the entire team!”
“Valerie is a super optician and I cannot recommend her highly enough. For many years I suffered with migraine and had never been advised that I should be wearing glasses full time. After my first visit to Val I haven't looked back — no more migraines. Esther is very helpful too.”
“Very professional service. My father only has one eye and when he had difficulty, Valerie exhausted all avenues to have him treated and the matter resolved. You are not just another patient to Valerie — each patient matters.”
“The staff were lovely — Esther at the front desk and Valerie were both very friendly. Very helpful and professional experience. The exam was very comprehensive and I was thankful to be seen so quickly.”
“I found Valerie and her team to be very efficient and helpful, and on my last visit I was treated with great kindness. I think I'll go to the optician more often!”
“I couldn't get a better quality of service. Staff are very pleasant and accommodating, with a good sense of humour. Very professional and looked after me all during lockdown. Highly recommend.”
“My girls love going to Valerie to get their eyes tested. A true professional. She has a great way with children as well as adults.”
“Brilliant. My son has been seeing Valerie for years. We travel from Dublin. Would totally recommend!”
“Best option in Ireland. Val and the team are always so helpful and knowledgeable. Superb! Couldn't recommend highly enough.”
“I had an eye test booked today and I have to say it was brilliant. It was so in-depth and I was looked after really well. It was the best eye test I've ever had — everything was explained clearly to me.”
“Eye test was provided to the highest service level! Receptionist was polite and attentive, and the optician has excellent quality. I'm glad to be your client!”
“I'm super-squeamish about my eyes. I discovered Valerie years ago when I worked in Trim. She's the only optician I'm comfortable attending — even if it now involves a 50–60 km round trip!”
“Was just sorted at Trim Optical Centre. Very professional and pleasant ladies. The centre itself is immaculate, very welcoming and a pleasant experience. Would recommend.”
“Excellent service. Valerie and the girls clearly have an expansive knowledge and excellent customer service. Will be back soon.”
“Very helpful, informative and professional service. 100% recommended!”
“Excellent as always, particularly good with children, older people or nervous people!”
“Really good service with lovely staff.”
“Professional, friendly and efficient every time.”
Schools
Free vision screening for local primary schools
Trim Optical Centre is the local partner delivering the iLert vision screening programme in primary schools across Co. Meath. Built on virtual reality technology developed by Optolab, the programme identifies visual difficulties early, in a way that is efficient, engaging, and accessible.
Undetected vision problems can have a significant impact on a child's learning, concentration, confidence, and participation in sport. Early identification enables schools and parents to make simple adjustments that support each child's learning experience.
On a typical testing day we can screen 100 or more pupils efficiently and with minimal disruption to the school timetable. There is no obligation for parents or schools to proceed beyond the initial screening.
How the screening is conducted
A six-minute, non-invasive VR assessment
With parental consent, pupils complete a brief vision screening using Meta virtual reality goggles and Optolab's iLert software. Children identify a series of visual targets within the headset. In some cases a traditional letter chart confirms the findings.
The screening takes about six minutes per child. An optician's assistant conducts the test, with a school staff member or chaperone present at all times. Parents receive their child's results by email within five working days.
Get in touch
Request a school vision screening
If you are a primary school in Trim, Meath, or surrounding areas and would like to participate in the programme, please get in touch. We are happy to provide further information and arrange a screening session.
Trim Optical Centre is fully wheelchair accessible. Tell us any additional needs when you book.
Book an appointment
Tell us when works for you.
Send a request and we'll be in touch within one working day to confirm your slot.
If you need to be seen sooner, call us at 046 943 6223. PRSI and Medical Card eye exams are fully free for those who qualify.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Got it. Thanks for your request.
I'll call you back within one working day, Tuesday to Saturday, to confirm your appointment.
If you'd like to be seen sooner, call 046 943 6223.
Submit another request