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The five-year-old from Claregalway, Co Galway was chosen from more than 560 kids who entered the Vision Express, Search for a Star Pupil competition.

The aim of the competition was to drive greater awareness about the importance of regular eye check-ups for children and saw kids up and down the country pose for the cameras for a chance to win a trip to Disneyland Paris. In-store research carried out by leading opticians Vision Express discovered parents had a worryingly low level of knowledge about the importance of eye care and eye examinations for children.

The event was run in conjunction with the Irish Professional Photographers Association (IPPA) who set up in store to help the hopefuls strike their best pose. Adorable Domhnall impressed the photographers and the Vision Express staff with his lively personality and great sense of humour. He attends the Playroom Montessori School in Cregmore, Co Galway and has two sisters and one brother. Domhnall has been a golf fanatic since he was given a set of golf clubs for Christmas.

He has won a trip for two adults and four children to Disneyland, Paris and a pair of designer children’s frames from Vision Express. Commenting on the competition, Philip Beasley, store manager of Vision Express’s newly revamped Blanchardstown said “The calibre of the entrants was outstanding on the day and it made the decision of the judges incredibly difficult. Domhnall really stood out however, and was a deserving winner. We also hope that we have highlighted how important it is to take care of your eyes, especially young children, so that they don’t go on to develop problems in later life”.

The winner of the national photographic competition will be the new children’s face for its next in store campaign to highlight the importance of eye healthcare in children. Optometrist Aisling Wade, based at Vision Express in Blanchardstown said: “It is very important to remember that young children should receive regular eye tests, especially if there is a family history of eye disease. A continuum of eye care for children that can include both vision screening and comprehensive eye exams is recommended by the Irish College of Ophthalmologists. Any child who experiences vision problems or shows symptoms of eye trouble should receive a comprehensive eye exam by an optometrist or an ophthalmologist.”

“There are certain tell-tale signs that can indicate a child may be experiencing a sight problem such as sitting close to the TV, holding objects very close to their face, blinking a lot, eye rubbing or one eye turning in or out.” Commenting on the event, Damian Daly, Regional Manager for Vision Express Ireland said “This was such a fun competition that we hope highlighted the importance of taking care of your eyes, particularly in children. We want to show kids that eye tests can be fun and wearing glasses is actually really cool! Congratulations to Domhnall, he was a very deserving winner”.

Further information is available by calling any Vision Express store. Contact details for all stores are available on www.visionexpress.ie


About Vision Express

Vision Express has eight stores throughout the country and continues to maintain its position as one of the leading and most trusted opticians in the UK and Ireland.

Since its conception in 1989, Vision Express has gone from strength to strength, focusing on customer service in order to provide the best individual optical care and deliver the best service, the right product and great value. Vision Express has a vast range of genuine designer brands and the latest technology lenses, through to complete glasses.

Vision Express store locations in Ireland:

  • Merchants Quay, Cork
  • Douglas Shopping Centre, Cork
  • Henry Street, Dublin
  • Liffey Valley Shopping Centre, Dublin
  • Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, Dublin
  • Tallaght Shopping Centre, Dublin
  • Shop Street, Galway
  • Athlone Town Centre, Athlone

For more information visit www.visionexpress.ie