A fresh vision and an ear for customers

For more than 45 years, Sheehan Opticians has been a trusted name in Cavan. Originally established by Gerard and Gerardine (Sheehan) Tynan, this practice has provided generations of local families with expert eye care and personal, professional service.

In May 2021, Sheehan Opticians proudly entered a new chapter. Under new ownership and management, the practice was reintroduced with renewed energy. At the helm is practice manager Áine Shanley, a highly experienced Dispensing Optician with more than 20 years in the industry. Her leadership brings together deep clinical knowledge with genuine passion for patient care, ensuring every visitor feels welcomed and supported.

Áine is joined by Principal Optometrist and Cavan native, Leona Kilkenny BSc Hons Optom FAOI, Leona graduated in 2003 from DIT Kevin Street with a First Class Honours Degree, her reputation in the eyecare industry precedes her. Leona’s clinical expertise, paired with advanced optical technology, ensures that patients receive the highest standard of eye health assessments and vision care. Completing the team are the familiar and friendly faces of Sylvia Burns and Lorraine Conroy, Optical Assistants with nearly three decades of combined experience. Together, this dedicated team provides a personalised service, from comprehensive eye exams to frame styling that helps every customer “shine”.

From the very beginning, Sheehan Opticians has believed that “healthcare should be personal, never rushed,” says Áine. Every visit begins with a detailed eye examination - not only to determine prescriptions but also to assess the overall health of the eyes. Patients are then guided through tailored options, whether lenses, frames, or contact lenses, with honest advice. Additional services include dry eye clinics, paediatric dispensing, foreign body removal, and even corporate eyecare packages, the practice is open Monday to Saturday to tend to all your needs!

McGowan Hearing Services

Because health is never just about one sense - eyes and ears should receive the same attention. That’s why the practice is proud to announce an exciting new partnership: comprehensive hearing services with Daragh McGowan of McGowan Hearing Services.

While honouring the legacy on which the practice was built, Áine always looked for ways to offer the community new services. This is how Daragh McGowan came on board. With years of specialist experience, Daragh is an invaluable addition to the practice: Helping patients look after their hearing as carefully as their vision.

“Anyone who has an indication of hearing loss should go and check out their hearing,” Daragh explains. Signs can be subtle: Perhaps a once-bubbly person grows quieter in social settings, or someone struggles to keep up with conversations in noisy environments. Others may notice they need the TV louder than before - what was once volume 11 creeping up to 17 or 18. These are signals that hearing may be affected, and early testing is the key to staying connected.

Daragh emphasises that hearing loss isn’t just about age. “It could be a loud work environment, years of discos or concerts, hereditary factors, trauma to the ear, or medical conditions.”

His approach begins with ruling out simple causes like wax, followed by a full medical case history and tailored hearing assessment. Testing is straightforward: patients wear headphones, press a button when they hear a sound, and receive a detailed audiogram showing exactly where any hearing deficiency lies.

One of the most powerful aspects of Daragh’s service: “You don’t miss the punch lines anymore. You don’t miss the details anymore, and you can really participate.” This trial allows patients to experience firsthand the difference improved hearing can make in daily life - whether it’s rejoining family conversations or rediscovering the joy of socialising.

For those whose hobbies or work expose them to noise, Daragh also offers custom ear defenders. Working with CENS technology, these devices amplify soft sounds, cut out dangerous loud noises, and balance speech—perfect for shooters, musicians, or anyone needing to protect their hearing without losing connection.

“Sixty percent of people who come in don’t realise they have hearing loss,” Daragh notes. Through in-clinic demonstrations and simple testing, awareness is raised and proactive care can begin. He is dispensing the latest hearing aid technology on the market at the most reasonable price.

The commitment to holistic wellbeing doesn’t stop at sight and hearing. Sheehan Opticians is also one of the few practices in Ireland offering free LifeMeter nutritional screening. This clinically certified device, painlessly measures vital nutrients for eye, brain, and heart health in less than a minute, allowing patients to take proactive steps for long-term wellbeing.

For decades, Sheehan Opticians has been more than just an optical practice. It is part of the fabric of Cavan life - a place where patients are greeted not as customers, but as neighbours and friends.

As Áine, Leona, Sylvia, Lorraine, and Daragh work together, their combined expertise offers complete sensory care in one trusted location. From sight to sound, from nutrition to protection, Sheehan Opticians is redefining what it means to look after your health.

So whether you’ve been visiting for decades or are stepping inside for the first time, you can be assured of one thing: Sheehan Opticians is here for you, with professionalism, warmth, and innovation.