Naas optometrist retires after 30 years of service

A POPULAR optometrist from an independent opticians in Naas is retiring after over 30 years of service in the optical industry.

Kildare native Patricia Kavanagh, original founder and optometrist at Patricia Kavanagh Eyecare, is hanging up her ophthalmoscope as of the end of February, following a long-standing career in optometry serving patients of all ages.

Patricia Kavanagh Eyecare was originally established in 1995 with this year marking the practice’s 30th anniversary.

Over the years the practice has garnered a positive reputation for the high standard eye care that they provide as they continuously push the boundaries of clinical excellence within the industry as well as providing a range of niche eyewear products, with Patricia at the helm as optometrist.

Since its establishment, the practice has moved locations to 3 Dublin Road where the team have resided since 2007 and has even undergone an extensive, refurbishment back in 2021, with the practice becoming both locally and nationally recognised for their individuality and one-of-a-kind frames.

Reflecting on her career, Patricia said: “The practice has granted me the privilege of caring for the vision and well-being of our community and I’m incredibly grateful for the loyalty and support we have received from our patients over the years.” 

Patricia has provided a wealth of knowledge during her time in practice, building a team of like-minded and passionate professionals, including the highly trained dispensing team of Geraldine, Edyta and Caroline.

The practice also has a unique selection of frames, sourced by Patricia personally from attending optical trade shows in Paris and Milan. This has allowed her to source fabulous frames, which are stylish and unique.

Following Patricia’s retirement, Noeleen Loughlin will be taking the reins at the practice as Optometrist and Director, bringing over 20 years of optical experience to the team.

As a native of Kildare who moved back to the area last year, Noeleen is passionate about continuing the eye care excellence provided at the practice and hopes to enhance this service further through her vast clinical knowledge in various optical settings alongside her experience running her own optical practice over the past seven years in County Kerry.

Noeleen commented: “I feel very proud and honoured that we can continue Patricia’s legacy of providing an extremely high level of care, something that she has been well known for over the past 30 years.

“Under her guidance, the practice has curated a fantastic team of people who are all dedicated to upholding the reputation Patricia has built for many generations to come. It’s been a pleasure to work alongside the team over the past 6 months and to be welcomed back into my hometown.

“On behalf of my colleagues and our patients, we would like to wish Patricia the best of luck in her well-deserved retirement.”