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!
Over 100 5* Google Reviews
"From marks out off 0 to 10 it could only be a 12. I called in with a bad eye.... No appointment!!! Yet 10mins later I was saw too. An a letter for my doctors too gave me cream.. 2 days later my eye was fine. Than took myself an young one that's age 7 for eye test. Hey scary frist time for a young one. Yet was so relaxed an caring it all want a dream... A big thank you"
A Roberts Google October 2025
"I recently went to have an Eye and OCT Scan done at Eric Mercer Opticians. I was very happy with the whole experience, what I was most impressed with was that my whole eye examination and OCT scan was done by the Optician Eric Mercer. I left feeling relieved that both examinations where healthy and Mr Mercer gave me very good advice about my dry eye condition! Overall I was very happy with the whole experience. I would definitely recommend Eric Mercer Opticians. I also bought a new pair of glasses as my prescription had changed slightly. Really great selection of frames"
Joan Dumigan Google August 2025
"Really fantastic service. After breaking my glasses, i took them to a leading high street opticians to ask if they could repair them. They said they couldn't and they were unrepairable. I decided to ask at Eric Mercer Options on the off chance that they previous opinion was incorrect. The lady there said she to leave them and she would check. They were returned fixed to me the next day for £7. Fantastic service and really lovely staff"
Chris Frieze Google July 2025
"Eric has been my optician for quite some years. I have experienced some eye problems,including dry eyes which with Eric's advice I managed to get under control.
Eye examination are thorough & he has a good range of glasses to choose from. Stephanie is also lovely and supportive in helping to select frames. Would highly recommend."
Anne Maxwell Google July 2025
"I highly recommend Eric Mercer for an eye test, scan and prescription. He is very professional and knowledgeable all while making you feel at ease. Stephanie helped me pick out lovely glass frames that suit me. The lenses are excellent, very clear and just perfect for my reading and computer work."
Elaine Huey Google August 2025
"Eric is a true professional who did my eye test at my home.
He done my test with no fuss but unfortunately for me he found issues behind my eyes. He explained after the test that my issues could be quite serious and i needed to see my doctor for tests and a referral to the eye clinic.
Long story short he organised a district nurse to come out to see me which they did. They took blood and found am diabetic and some other issues.
Eric and his thoughtfulness may have saved me from a very serious illness in the near future.
He also brought out my glasses directly and was the perfect gentleman at all time's.
Cheers Eric."