Breffni Blue readers have never too far to travel for professional eyecare, with McQuaid Opticians, having practices in Belturbet, Cootehill and Ballyconnell. Since 2001, McQuaid Opticians have provided many GAA players and their families with a comprehensive ophthalmic service that is accessible throughout the region. The company has seven practices in total from Co. Donegal, Co. Monaghan and Co. Cavan, ensuring that you don't have to travel far for all your optical needs and with convenient opening hours and ample parking. Regular eyetests are vital to maintain healthy eyes. A routine eyetest involves testing vision for longsightness and shortsightness, internal examination of the eye for the detection of glaucoma, diabetes, cataracts and sport related injuries. For GAA players who suffer from poor eyesight, optician, Sharon McFarland recommends the wearing of contact lenses for sports. Contact lenses offer the player a wide field of vision, and with today's products they are more comfortable, convenient and affordable. They are far more practical than wearing glasses on the sports field. "There are numerous advantages to wearing contact lenses, in particular for those wanting to wear lenses for sports only. Daily disposable lenses are recommended as they are hygienic, individually packed and have a long shelf life. They are easy to insert and remove, and there is no cleaning involved, you wear them once and throw them away. They are perfect whether you want to wear them everyday, for weekends or for sport." "A full fitting service is offered to new contact lens wearer and a careful demonstration of handing lenses is shown so that the customer is confident with handling lenses in their own time. Regular contact lens aftercare is essential for maintaining good ocular health." In an exclusive offer to Breffni Blue readers we will be happy to provide a free contact lens assessment and give advice on how to handle contact lenses correctly. For squeamish sport players who for whatever reason have a problem with wearing contact lenses we can provide them with prescription sports goggles instead. These are hardwearing goggles which were famously worn by the dutch footballer Edgar Davids a few years ago. In total McQuaid Opticians employs 15 staff, including four opticians. The staff who will attend to you in the Co. Cavan practices are Sharon McFarland (optician), Liz McDermott (optical receptionist), Joelene McKiernan (optical receptionist). Sharon joined the company five years ago and provides very thorough eye examinations individually tailored to the customer and offers expert advice on common ocular problems. Liz is a local employee and offers a friendly and efficient service to customers. Joelene is also optical assistant and responsible for stock control and managing head office business. Most GAA players will be entitled to free eyetests if they hold a medical card or contribute to PRSI. This entitlement allows free eyetest every two years and allowance towards glasses. McQuaid Opticians also welcome clinic forms for children and adults from the HSE. They also have several offers on spectacles and sunglasses to suit every budget. Felix McQuaid, a dynamic entrepreneur from an optical family, had been in the business for 12 years and is sole proprietor of McQuaid Opticians. The success of the company can be attributed to his extensive managerial skills and dedicated staff. Hailing as he does from the GAA stronghold of Donaghmore, Co. Tyrone, it is not surprising to hear that Felix is an avid football fan and has provided sponsorship to local clubs. Needless to say, Felix rejoiced in Tyrone's marvellous All Ireland triumph last September when they claimed their third Sam Maguire since 2003 at the expense of three-in-a-row chasing Kerry. Many people had been quick to write off Mickey Harte's side after they were dumped out of the Ulster championship by Down following a replay, but they bounced back in impressive fashion in the All Ireland qualifiers and rounded off a memorable year by defeating the Kingdom in the final. "It was a great year for Tyrone, and probably better than 2003 and 2005 because of the fact that they had been so widely written off after losing to Down," Felix recalls. "They quietly got the show back on the road in the qualifiers before producing that wonderful performance against Dublin in the All-Ireland quarter finals. While they are always capable of pulling out a big performance like that, I don't think anyone saw it coming, especially Dublin who were clearly shelled shocked. "After that it was hard to see them being stopped and it is always very satisfying when you can beat Kerry in the final. But that's all in the past now, and hopefully Tyrone can go on to achieve what they never managed before, by putting All-Ireland titles back to back," he concludes. To phone and arrange your free contact lens assessment at your closest McQuaid Opticians practice. Monaghan - 047 38922 Belturbet - 049 9529992 Cootehill - 049 5559785 Ballyconnell - 049 9527599 Clones - 047 20861 Moville - 074 9385857 Letterkenny - 074 91219911 Tweet

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