As part of our Membership Spotlight feature we recently spoke to Marie O Sullivan from Southgate Vision Opticians about doing business in Drogheda. Read what Marie had to say.
Q. Tell us about your business and what you do.
Welcome to Southgate Vision Opticians – Personalised Eye Care with a Legacy of Experience and Excellence
We’re proud to introduce Southgate Vision Opticians, your new independent optician located in the heart of Southgate Shopping Centre, just on the outskirts of Drogheda. Although we’re a young practice — soon celebrating our 1-year anniversary — our roots and experience run deep in the world of eye care.
As the sister practice to the long-established Swords Eye Centre in North Dublin, which has been serving the community since 1999, we bring the same trusted processes, values, and high standards to every client interaction. Our mission is simple: to deliver a bespoke and comprehensive optical experience tailored uniquely to everyone.
Whether you're here for a routine eye test, contact lens fitting, colour vision assessment, driving report, or our renowned advanced eye examination, you can expect a service that’s professional, personal, and built around your lifestyle, optical needs, budget, and style.
We’re absolutely thrilled to be part of the Southgate community and are excited for many happy years ahead in this wonderful centre. Thank you for choosing Southgate Vision Opticians — where your vision is our focus.
Q. What do you think has been your biggest achievement with the business?
As a newly established independent optician, our biggest achievement has undoubtedly been establishing and earning the trust in our locality in such a short space of time.
Opening our doors in Southgate Shopping Centre was a huge step for us — but what’s made it truly rewarding is seeing new clients become loyal clients, and watching word of mouth spread as people share their positive experiences. Being able to grow our client base organically, through genuine care and tailored service, is something we’re extremely proud of.
We’ve also successfully brought the high standards and advanced clinical practices from our sister clinic in Swords to Southgate, ensuring that even from day one, our clients have received expert care that reflects decades of experience.
In a competitive field, staying true to our independent values — offering personalised, pressure-free care that puts our client first — and seeing that resonate within the community which we are situated has been a truly meaningful accomplishment.
Q. Tell us one thing people might not know about the business.
One thing many people don’t realise about a newly opened independent optician, or any new business for that matter, is that on Day 1, we quite literally start from scratch—building our business, brand, and reputation from the ground up. It’s both a blessing and a challenge. On the one hand, we have the freedom to offer unique, independent eyewear brands and provide a more personalised experience, without being bound by the corporate routines of high-street chains. On the other hand, we don’t have the marketing power or brand recognition that larger, multi-branch opticians enjoy.
Q. What is the best piece of business advice you’ve ever been given?
“People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.”
– Simon Sinek, Start With Why
I heard this piece of advice many years ago, and it still resonates deeply with me.
In today’s world of limitless choice—where we compete with big chains and online retailers—our greatest strength as an independent optician isn’t just the products we offer. It’s the why behind everything we do: the passion, the purpose, and the personal care that goes into every frame we recommend.
That’s why we lead with our values every single day. Whether it’s introducing an exciting new independent eyewear brand, delivering a truly bespoke customer experience, or building meaningful relationships in our community—our “why” is what earns trust and loyalty.
Another favourite piece of advice—often quoted by my husband—is simple but powerful:
“Serve the hot food hot and the cold food cold.”
In other words, get the basics right. People will forgive a lot, but not the essentials. And that’s what we aim to do every day: provide great service, thoughtful advice, and a genuinely warm experience.
We’re proud of what we’ve built, but we’re always striving to do even better.