Optilase Celebrates Homegrown Success

Irish eyes are smiling as Optilase celebrates homegrown success

 

It is heartening to hear of Irish success stories in the world of business — and even more heartening to hear that the business owners are very proud that the product they supply is 100 per cent Irish-owned and locally based.

 

The success of Optilase is one such business — a sister company of the well-known chain of Therapie clinics, Optilase was one of the first independent laser eye surgery clinics in the country and has state-of-the-art clinics in Dublin, Cork, Waterford, Belfast, and Derry, and more recently clinics in Galway, Longford, and Athlone.

 

In just a number of years, the experienced team of surgeons have carried out more than 40,000 laser eye surgery procedures, and are leaders in their field in Ireland, Europe, and worldwide.

 

Managing director Philip McGlade is delighted that the company is benefiting from the fact that it is Irish-owned and has created hundreds of jobs in Ireland over the last few years.

 

In addition, it is bringing laser eye surgery to the regions by allowing customers to have all their pre-care and aftercare appointments in a clinic convenient to them.

 

Speaking to the Galway Advertiser recently, Mr McGlade expressed his pride in the fact that the business remains Irish-owned, the success of the clinics, and the continued growth of the company has been maintained.

 

“Therapie is a family-run business, set up by my father Paul 10 years ago. I took over the business three years ago, since then we have opened 10 new clinics and we also set up the Optilase laser eye surgery. The business has actually expanded through the recession and in the last two years employed 100 extra people.

 

‘I’m proud that it’s an Irish-owned company’

 

“Galway was the first clinic we had outside of Dublin and we expanded from there. The city of Galway was chosen because of its young demographic and large female customer base. It stood out from the other cities,” he said, adding that is the Irishness of the company, the fact that it is creating jobs around the country that makes him most proud.

 

One would have thought that laser eye surgery would decline with the recession, but it has been the reverse with more and people people realising that laser eye surgery is a more cost-effective way of managing your sight than costly and often irritable contact lenses.

 

A lot of people have been thinking about laser eye surgery for a long time so there has been plenty of interest. The way they look at it, once the procedure is done, they do not have to spend money on glasses and contact lenses which can be very expensive. The technology has got so much better too. People are also so much more aware these days, most know someone who has had it done.

 

And with Optilase, the process could not be more simple: Customers can avail of free one hour consultations during which all options are fully explained and an assessment is carried out to ensure that a particular procedure is suitable for the client’s needs. The procedure itself is carried out in the Optilase purpose-built clinic in Dublin by a consultant ophthalmic surgeon. Following the procedure the post-op check-ups take place at the clinic in Galway.

 

Everyone has questions they want to go through, about the procedure, and meeting with the surgeon.

 

“We go through all the different options, what would be best for them and best for their eyes. We try to minimise the amount of time a customer spends in Dublin,” says a spokesperson. “The following day, the person has a check-up in the Galway clinic. The prices range from €495 per eye, starting with a basic procedure suitable for relatively low prescriptions, to a maximum price of €1,600 per eye and includes all six check-ups and all the eye drops as well as the life time after-care guarantee.”

 

At Optilase results speak for themselves, with 100 per cent of patients achieving driving standard or better, and 99 per cent achieving 20/20 or better. In addition, a lifetime care guarantee is standard with all of the treatments which further reflects the impressive standard of care afforded to every patient.

 

Optilase enjoys much success

 

Located at the same premises as its sister company, the prestigious Therapie Clinic, the expert and friendly staff at Optilase have enjoyed much success in correcting the eyesight of thousands of its customers.

 

Optilase offers a full range of the most advanced treatments and customised procedures including LASIK, LASEK, and IntraLase laser eye surgery as well as Premier and Advanced CustomVue WaveFront laser eye technology at competitive prices, with the added security of a lifetime care guarantee offered as standard with all treatments.

 

Munster Rugby star Doug Howlett underwent laser eye surgery at Optilase Clinic last year, and now boasts better than 20:20 vision.

 

View Doug Howlett’s Experience with Optilase

 

 

“I really can’t believe how this has changed my life, it was easily one of the best decisions I have ever made,” said Howlett. “I simply can’t recommend Optilase highly enough – I just wish I had done it sooner.”

 

Laser eye surgery was first introduced in the 1970s and is now one of the most advanced and commonly-performed elective surgeries, having helped to improve the vision and lifestyles of more than 30 million people worldwide.

 

Optilase (located at the same premises as Therapie) in Shop Street is open Monday 9am to 6pm, Tuesday to Wednesday 9am to 7pm, Thursday 9am to 8pm, Friday 9am to 7pm, Saturday 10am to 6pm, and Sunday 11am to 6pm.

 

For more information contact 091 539900 or +353 1 223 8821, email info@optilase.com, or alternatively log onto www.optilase.com.

 

Author: Declan Varley from Galway Advertiser

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Patient Reviews

amnnau
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amnnau
April 3, 2026

Got my PRK surgery with optilase couldnt be happier! I was cared for in each step even post surgery, give me a call or message if you need referral

Amy Phelan
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Amy Phelan
April 2, 2026

Had such an amazing experience with Optilase in Cork. Such a brilliant team, they all made me feel so relaxed and explained everything so well. They reassured me so much on the day of my surgery, and I never felt rushed with any questions. I would highly recommend Optilase to anyone even considering laser eye surgery. I am the most nervous and skeptical person and it’s truly the best thing I ever did, there is honestly nothing to be worried about!! I had zero pain whatsoever and my vision was clear by that evening and 100% perfect the next morning, it’s truly amazing! Wish I got it done years ago. I have so much freedom now without contact lenses or glasses, it’s so hard to believe my vision is fixed!!

Helen Sanfey
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Helen Sanfey
April 2, 2026

My experience has been amazing. Everything was super professional and I was handled with complete care. My vision is perfect now and has changed everything for me.

Chloe Kearney
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Chloe Kearney
March 5, 2026

Had a consultation done today couldn’t fault the team at optilase the were very informative answer all the questions I had very quick and professional would definitely recommend

Barry Neville
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Barry Neville
March 3, 2026

Very professional, and very customer focused

Timmy Kelleher
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Timmy Kelleher
February 18, 2026

I got the refractive lens surgery in December and from my first appointment to the last post op appointment I was looked after with great care, and I would recommend this company to anyone

Sinéad Elizabeth Delaney
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Sinéad Elizabeth Delaney
February 5, 2026

My glasses has always made me feel self conscious to the point of not wearing them. I had my free consultation for eligibility with Rachel who was helpful and really put me at ease about the entire procedure. Elizabeth in reception was friendly and welcoming throughout each visit helping me set up all my upcoming appointments and fit me in for my surgery to meet my schedule. The day of surgery I was brought upstairs for re-scans. Paul did these and he was extremely kind. He answered all my questions making me feel at ease. After I was then called by Fiona who was assisting Dr. Tom in my surgery. I met Dr. Tom who ran over the procedure and answered questions I had. Fiona then went through the things to be mindful of after surgery showing me the three different eye drops to be taken and then helped me prep for surgery. The surgery itself was so quick. I first laid down on the chair and they dosed my eyes in eye drops which were to stop infections and aesthetic to keep my eyes open. Dr. Tom and the team began. It was such a quick painless procedure I couldn’t believe it was finished so quick. Already getting up I felt I could see better although a little fuzzy. Fiona guided me to the dark area of the reception while I waited to go home. The girls in reception had already called my dad and he was on the way. Sitting there I could already read the signs on the wall (I couldn’t when I had come in). Paul and Fiona came and sat with me for a second in reception asking me how I was and how I got on which was so nice of them. My dad collected me and I put my sunglasses on. It was a sunny day and I’m going to be honest the car ride home for me was the hardest part. Fiona told me my eyes would become heavy when the eye drops wore off. I felt the light from the sun in the car ride home was harsh on my eyes and my eyes stung. This was instantly relieved when I got home and went to my room which was in complete darkness. The first two hours my eyes were a little sore and stingy. Then this all faded very quick. No stinging. No pain. Nothing. All great. My eyes improving more and more as the day went on. I was nervous about the eye drops but set them up on my table with an alarm and it’s so easy to just pop them in. My eyes were quite red with two red dots on each side. I rested up for the evening and I wore my dark glasses they provided for a lot of the evening to really rest my eyes and by that night my vision was very sharp it was amazing. I slept very well with my eye mask and not once did I have to take painkillers. My follow up appointment was with Michaela who was lovely and stated I have 20/20 vision and my eyes look good. She also said the redness is 100% normal and is just bruising of the eye from the suction. My experience has been amazing. I honestly can’t thank the staff enough. Each and every one of them were so nice and welcoming and the liking to answer all my questions. If you have any doubts at all; I wouldn’t. Get it done if you can. I wish I got it done sooner. Any questions or using a refer a friend find me on fb or instagram with the name above 😊

Laurence Lee
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Laurence Lee
November 25, 2025

It was the best decision I ever made,I can see better now than I ever did.

Teddy Sheehan
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Teddy Sheehan
November 20, 2025

Finished LASIK eye surgery yesterday. Unbelievable how crystal clear next day was. Bit nervous on day, but staff put me right at ease. Very professional, Clean, fast. Definitely should got it done years ago..

Lazer
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Lazer
November 19, 2025

I recently had my LASIK eye surgery done at Optilase and I couldn’t be happier with the entire experience. From the moment I walked in, the team made me feel completely at ease. A special mention goes to Optometrist Dan, who was incredibly professional, patient, and reassuring throughout the whole process. Dan explained every step clearly, answered all my questions, and made sure I felt confident before and after the procedure. The surgery itself was quick and comfortable, and my vision improvement has been amazing. I highly recommend Optilase and especially Dan for anyone considering LASIK. Excellent service, fantastic results, and a team you can truly trust.

manon Clairbaux
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manon Clairbaux
November 18, 2025

Nice and helpful team !

Endija Ozolina
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Endija Ozolina
November 13, 2025

From the day 1 I felt I was important client ! Carrickmines clinic is sooo clean & neat in every way On the day of the surgery I felt even more cared for and soothed while being a VERY anxious customer the staff & surgeon made me calm and also advised on a better future treatment then initially was thought , which I though was wonderful and showed they care Small downside 🫤 can’t reach directly clinic but when call the number given it’s going to main customer care ( which is also very helpful) But the reason for that is that they work the load between the clinics , which is understandable Overall , even if you’re the most scared person to do this - please TRUST you feel no pain and the gain is fare more worth, then few pre-stressful moments And the actual procedure is honestly less then 10 min

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