MEET OUR OPTOMETRIST -
ERIC MERCER
I am a qualified optometrist with over 35 years' experience. Born and bred in Belfast, I went to school at Lisnasharragh Primary and then Methody before studying optometry at Aston University in Birmingham.
After qualifying, I practised in London and Edinburgh for several years before making the decision to move back home. I've strong family connections to the Cregagh area and always had it in mind to set up my own practice there. So, in 1998, when the opportunity arose, I was delighted to open up on the Woodstock Road.
Since then, with the help of dedicated, hard-working staff, the practice has grown from strength to strength. As an independent optometrist, I find the freedom of running my own practice very rewarding and love the sense of community in the area.
I enjoy keeping up to date with the latest developments in optometry and am a frequent attender at courses and conferences. And to help develop new skills, I have completed a range of extra qualifications involving more advanced aspects of eye care including:
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Professional Certificate in Glaucoma
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Professional Certificate in Medical Retina
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Minor Eye Conditions Certificate
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Cataract Care Certificate
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Dry Eye Clinic Certificate
Outside of work, I love spending time outdoors, walking and running with our dogs. I'm also a keen reader and enjoy listening to music, keeping fit, going to concerts and watching rugby.
STEPHANIE DORNAN - OPTICAL ASSISTANT
With over 20 years' optical experience, I have an extensive knowledge in dispensing all modern lens designs. That includes varifocals, bifocals, high index lenses and transitions.
I especially enjoy being involved in frame styling - helping clients choose just the right frames and lenses to complement their features and prescription.
Having worked in both multiple and independent practices, I feel that independents offer a much more personable experience. When clients come in to see us, they are guaranteed friendly one-to-one service from their initial greeting to collecting their new specs.
When not working, I love to wine and dine and travel with friends and family on holiday. And a little bit of retail therapy goes a long way!
FIND OUT WHAT OUR CLIENTS THINK ABOUT US
"For over 18 years we have enjoyed the highly professional and personal service provided by Eric Mercer and his staff.
Nothing is too much trouble from arranging emergency appointments to providing referrals where he has felt it necessary. The equipment used is of the highest standard and Eric has kept himself up to date with procedures and practices. The range of frames offered is varied, extensive and caters for all tastes.
We can only speak good of Eric and the services his practice provides."
Maureen and Garth Corbett
"Eric has always provided excellent, impartial and friendly advice on eye care (in fact our family may have been one of his first customers about 19 years ago)!
From routine eye tests and the all-important glasses selection to emergency appointments and follow up assessments Eric has always taken time to ensure the best advice and treatment was provided.
Over the years as technology has changed, Eric has kept pace with new equipment and procedures including retinal photography and advice on dry eye care.
Many thanks to Eric and his staff who are always both professional and approachable at all times (as well as stocking an ever-changing array of glasses - the choice gets harder with so many options – thanks for your patience)."
Ali Elder
"Eric Mercer has been our optometrist for many years now, providing us with a high quality and reassuringly thorough service.
Having reasonably complex ophthalmic needs, we have always had great confidence in Eric's early diagnosis, prompt treatment and/or referral in dealing with our problems.
From arranging an eye test appointment, to choosing the frames and fitting, the service is always professional, yet warm, friendly, and personal.
We simply wouldn't entrust our eye care to anyone else."
Tony and Marion Garnham
"After becoming unhappy with the service provided by one of the large national opticians some years ago, I decided to try one of the locally based opticians and chose Eric Mercer who I had known as a teenager playing rugby with my son.
On my first visit to the practice I was very impressed with the very helpful and friendly attitude of the staff and by the quality of care and attention to detail shown by Mr Mercer during my eye test which has continued to be of the same high standard over the many years since.
I never feel I am being rushed during eye testing or in choosing frames from the very wide selection on offer and the advice given to me in choosing the type of lenses best suited for my needs has been excellent.
I am more than satisfied with my choice of optician and would have no hesitation in recommending the practice to anyone."
Ian Douglas
"I have been attending Mr Eric Mercer for fourteen years and he has been of great help to me during this time.
At one appointment, during examination he noticed something not quite right and suggested a check-up with my doctor. This showed up a blood pressure problem which could otherwise have gone undetected for some time.
At a later date Eric diagnosed signs of Iritis and I had to be treated urgently in hospital. At that time he gave me a letter of referral and phoned ahead to alert the A and E of the urgency. The nurses informed me later that the immediate action saved me from a very serious situation. Over the following eighteen months attendance at hospital, the Iritis kept returning. Each time Eric never failed to see me at short notice and always took appropriate action.
Eric always makes time for urgent appointments. During my last one he noticed a significant increase in the cataract in my right eye which was affecting the sight badly. He advised me to see my consultant and as a result of this I am now awaiting surgery in three to four months’ time.
I have always found Eric to be very thorough and caring and readily recommend him to anyone seeking the very best of attention."
William Haire
"I have been a customer of Eric Mercer for a long time. Before that I always just used other opticians in the city centre. I would only use Eric now because since I became a customer, I have received only an excellent first-class service. He is always very patient and reassuring with his tests and very caring.
A few years ago I was having problems with irritation in the eyes. I called Eric and he told me to come down right away. He examined me and diagnosed me as having Dry Eye Syndrome. I was treated immediately with the recommended drops etc. and now can honestly say that I felt the positive effects right away.
There is always a great range of frames and good advice about the type of lenses that are best for me. I have never felt pressured to buy anything I didn't want myself. The aftercare service is first-class. And I feel that no matter how busy Eric is he is always willing to tell you to "just call in" if I have any problems.
I feel that Eric treats his customers as friends and always puts them first."
Jim Jones
CALL OUR BELFAST SHOP NOW ON 028 9058 3030 TO BOOK YOUR EYE TEST.
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