Partnership will see digital triage, faster diagnoses and local access to ophthalmology expertise rolled out from March.
Specsavers has entered a partnership with Medical Optics that aims to speed up diagnosis and widen access to specialist eye care for patients in Dublin and surrounding counties.
The agreement, unveiled on Wednesday, introduces a digitally linked care pathway that allows optometrists in Specsavers stores to send detailed patient scans directly to Medical Optics ophthalmologists for rapid clinical review.
“This innovative ‘Total Care’ model is just the beginning, and we are excited by the potential to expand this specialist access across Ireland”
The companies said the system will reduce waiting times and give patients quicker clarity on next steps. Under the model, scans taken during routine or enhanced appointments in store will be uploaded to Medical Optics, where a specialist will assess the images and issue guidance, typically within two working days.
Eyes on the prize
“This collaboration unites our shared commitment to patient‑first values,” said Kerril Hickey, chairman of Specsavers Ireland.
“As an Irish owned and run business, deeply embedded in the communities we serve across the Dublin region, Specsavers has always prioritised accessible, high‑quality eye care. This innovative ‘Total Care’ model is just the beginning, and we are excited by the potential to expand this specialist access across Ireland.”
The partnership will initially cover Dublin and the greater Dublin region, extending to selected stores in Mullingar, Maynooth, Navan, Bray and Drogheda. Patients will be able to receive sight tests, contact lens services and spectacles, along with enhanced appointments for common conditions such as sore or bloodshot eyes, sudden vision changes and pre‑ and post‑operative cataract care.
Medical Optics, which has clinics in Bray and Fairview, said the collaboration would allow its consultants to support a wider population without requiring patients to travel for early-stage assessments.
“The entire Medical Optics team is excited to collaborate with Specsavers on this partnership,” said Max Treacy, the company’s chairman and clinical director.
“For decades, we have provided specialist care to communities in Dublin and Wicklow. This partnership allows us to significantly expand the reach of our expertise, leveraging Specsavers’ widespread presence to bring high‑quality specialist eye care to a much broader patient base across the Dublin region.”
Specsavers, founded in 1983 by optometrists Doug and Mary Perkins, now operates 66 locally owned stores in Ireland, including 24 in the Dublin area. Medical Optics was established more than 40 years ago by Garry and Rosemary Treacy and is today led by their son and daughter‑in‑law, both consultant ophthalmologists.
Rollout of the new model begins this month. Details of participating stores and treatment pathways are available on the Specsavers Ireland website.
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