As one of the few remaining family-run opticians in the city, Helen Walsh Opticians has built its reputation on a personal, community-first approach to eye care. Founded in 1981 by Helen Walsh, the business was born from determination, resilience and a clear vision for doing things differently. Forty-five years on, it remains a trusted fixture in Galway life, caring for generations of families. Discover its story below...
When Helen opened the doors of her practice, she quickly learned that the challenge wasn’t just building a client base. At a time when it was far from common for a woman to open her own professional practice, she faced obstacles rooted in attitudes rather than ability. Securing finance proved difficult, confidence from lenders was thin, and more than once she was told they “haven’t done anything like this before.” Undeterred, Helen persisted. With a mix of dedication, family support and sheer belief in herself, Helen Walsh Opticians came to life.
above: photo by Michelle Dolan of Wonky Eye Photography
From the very beginning, the practice was as much a family space as a workplace. Helen raised her children in and around the opticians, at a time when maternity leave was measured in days rather than months. Babies were brought upstairs, fed between appointments, and rocked to sleep while glasses were fitted below. It wasn’t unusual; it was simply how things were done.
That sense of family has carried through the decades. Helen has watched children arrive holding their parents’ hands, only to return years later with children of their own. Files tell one story, but memory tells another: weddings celebrated, babies proudly introduced, milestones quietly shared across the dispensing desk. Few businesses are granted that privilege of watching families quite literally grow up before them.
In January, Helen Walsh Opticians celebrated its 45th anniversary, a milestone that Helen and her daughter Ruth describe with both pride and gratitude. The celebrations reflected the spirit of the practice: welcoming familiar faces, reconnecting former colleagues with patients who’ve been with the practice over the years, and marking the occasion with a raffle fundraiser in memory of Helen’s husband and fellow company director, Patrick Keating, in support of Galway Hospice. For them, the birthday wasn't about promoting the business or profit, but about bringing people together and saying thank you.
Ask Helen what she still loves most about her job, and the answer comes easily. Beyond the clinical work, it’s helping people find frames that truly suit them, not just their face, but their personality. A bold frame might light up one person, while another needs something quieter to feel like themselves. It’s a kind of visual storytelling Helen has perfected over decades, and one she still finds enormous joy in.
As the practice looks to the future, Helen is beginning to step back from the day-to-day work, passing the baton to Ruth. She plans to remain involved behind the scenes, offering her eye for detail and her love of frames, while also making space for something she’s long been drawn to: art. With college courses completed and time now reserved for creativity, Helen is ready to embrace a new chapter.
Need new frames or an eye test? Trust the opticians caring for Galway eyes for generations. Visit Helen Walsh Opticians at 4 Middle Street or helenwalshopticians.ie. Anniversary offer: €45 off frames with prescription lenses until March 1st. T&Cs apply.
above: photo by Michelle Dolan of Wonky Eye Photography
Feature photo by Enda Burke.
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