Specsavers Longford: 12 Years of Innovation, Care, and Community Spirit

Specsavers Longford recently celebrated their 12th anniversary, marking over a decade of dedicated service to the local community.

Since opening its doors in March 2014, the store has grown from a team of six to a thriving practice of 20 staff members, continuously enhancing its facilities and expanding its range of services.

Aisling Nertney, Retail Director and Dispensing Optician, has been with Specsavers Longford since its inception. Her journey from optical assistant to Retail Director in 2023 exemplifies the store's commitment to professional development.

"I am passionate about looking after all of our customers, ensuring they have access to the best eye and hearing care," says Nertney.

"It's incredibly rewarding to see the joy on a customer's face when their new glasses or contact lenses improve their quality of life."

Specsavers Longford has consistently invested in cutting-edge technology, including the Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scan. This hospital-grade equipment allows optometrists to detect underlying eye conditions up to four years in advance, emphasising the importance of regular eye examinations.

"We advise everyone to come in for regular sight and hearing examinations," Nertney stresses, "as routine tests can pick up issues early, regardless of whether they wear glasses or not."

The store's expansion includes dual-purpose optical and audiology rooms and a full shop fit renovation in 2023, modernising the space to better serve its growing clientele.

With four qualified optometrists and two audiologists, Specsavers Longford offers comprehensive care, further enhanced by specialist training in areas like Autism awareness to ensure inclusive patient care.

What truly sets Specsavers Longford apart is its deep-rooted connection to the community. "Specsavers Longford is locally owned and run, and both the store directors and our 20 staff are based here," Nertney explains. 2This means we truly care about the people of Longford."

The store's commitment to excellence has been recognised with significant accolades, including the prestigious Dame Mary Outstanding Award in Customer Care.

Specsavers Longford was the only store in Ireland to receive this award and was also shortlisted for the Awards for Excellence in Clinical Leadership, standing out among five stores across the UK and Ireland.

Commenting on the shortlist, Nertney says "To be shortlisted for such a prestigious award is an honor, I am incredibly proud of our team and the wealth of knowledge and experience they bring. Our passion for looking after our customers drives everything we do, and we look forward to many more years of serving the Longford community."

Specsavers Longford is also a passionate supporter of local charities. In December 2025, the team undertook an ambitious "Lapland to Longford Cycleathon," cycling the equivalent distance to raise significant funds for St. Christopher’s, a local charity dedicated to the inclusion of people with disabilities.

The team raised over €1500 for the charity and demonstrated their creative and energetic approach to community support.

In recent years, they have proudly raised funds for the Longford branch of the Alzheimer's Society, and the team actively participates in the Longford Marathon to support these causes and also contributes to national fundraising efforts for the Hope Foundation and Focus Ireland.

This 12-year milestone is not just a celebration of growth and success for Specsavers Longford, but a reaffirmation of its unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of the community it serves.

With cutting-edge technology, a dedicated and compassionate team, and a strong philanthropic spirit, Specsavers Longford continues to be a cornerstone of local healthcare.

As they look to the future, the team remains focused on delivering the highest standard of eye and hearing care, building on their legacy of excellence and community engagement for many years to come.

For more information or to book an appointment, please call into store at:

Specsavers Longford at 17 Ballymahon St, Townparks, Longford, N39 A7P9.

Visit their website or call (043) 333 6276.

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