Mackey Opticians Cookstown

🌖 Excited for the upcoming solar eclipse? Here is how to enjoy it safely!

Looking forward to catching a glimpse of the moon passing in front of the sun? It is set to be a fantastic sight, but before you head outside, here is a quick friendly reminder from your team at Mackey Opticians!

Why direct viewing can be risky: Looking directly at the sun—even during an eclipse or through regular sunglasses, cameras, or binoculars—can cause permanent damage to your eyesight. Because the back of your eye (the retina) has no pain receptors, damage can happen instantly without you feeling a thing.

A quick warning on phone cameras: Taking photos or videos of the sun with your smartphone carries risks too:

For your phone: Smartphone lenses act like miniature magnifying glasses. Pointing them straight at the sun can concentrate heat and light, permanently burning out your camera’s image sensor.

For your eyes: Lining up a shot often tempts people to look up past or around the screen directly into the sun without realizing it.

Please note: Mackey Opticians does not supply or sell certified eclipse glasses or camera solar filters.

Safe & fun ways to watch without special gear: You don’t need specialized equipment to enjoy the magic! Try these safe indirect viewing methods using everyday household items:

Pinhole Viewer: Poke a small hole in a piece of card and let the sunlight project through it onto a second piece of card behind it.

The Colander Trick: Hold a kitchen colander over a piece of white paper—you’ll see dozens of tiny eclipse shadows projected onto the sheet!

Nature’s Projector: Look at the shadow cast on the ground by light passing through tree leaves.

Watch a Live Stream: Grab a cup of tea and watch the sky coverage online from the comfort of your sofa.

We're here for you: If you have any concerns about your eyes after viewing the solar eclipse, please contact your local Mackey Opticians branch and we will be happy to help.

For full detailed safety guidelines, check out the official advice from the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) here: 👉 https://www.abdo.org.uk/news/safety-tips-for-viewing-eclipse/

If you have glaucoma or know someone who is suffering with glaucoma, please look at this survey being run by Glaucoma UK.

Turning 60 has its perks!

Did you know that any one over 60 years old is automatically entitled to a free NHS eye exam, every 2 years or depending on how often your optometrist recommends your routine check ups?

No need to fill out forms, or lengthy application forms to recieve it, just book an appointment below through the link below:
https://www.mackeyopticians.com/book-an-appointment/

If you're new to us we have 14 branches! Find you nearest here:
https://www.mackeyopticians.com/branch-locator/

At Mackey Opticians we LOVE glasses!

But we also understand that some times they aren't everyones ideal solution for correcting their vision.

Whether your lead a busy active life and find glasses or contact lenses are holding you back, or maybe you have been considering lazer surgery but aren't sure its for you.

Night Lenses might be just what you are looking for!

Night lenses are contact lenses that you wear while sleeping in order to give you clear vision during the day. They are specially designed to harmlessly, and naturally, re-shape the outer cell layer of your eye. When you wake, you can enjoy the benefits of perfect vision all day, without needing glasses or daytime contact lenses.

Enquire now at any of the following branches
Mackey Opticians Cookstown
Mackey Opticians Bangor
Mackey Opticians Cookstown
Mackey Opticians Donaghadee

https://www.mackeyopticians.com/branch-locator/

Good Luck to all the runners on Sunday
We’re very proud to be one of the sponsors of this amazing event on its 20th Anniversary

We are closed today. Re-open tomorrow as usual.

Happy St.Patricks Day! 🍀🌈

We hope you all enjoy the festivities today and stay safe!

Some of our branches will be closed today so if you are planning on visiting your local branch we would advise calling ahead to avoid disappointment.

Happy International Woman’s day from all us Ladies here at Mackey Opticians Cookstown