Jill O'Meara Photography

Nichola Kennedy 

“Optometrist and Owner of Kilcullen Opticians“

Interview and Photography by Jill O’Meara

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your business? 

I’ve been an optometrist for over 25 years, and my work has earned me the nickname “The Eye Detective.” My practice has two main areas: traditional optometry and behavioural optometry. In the traditional side, we handle everyday vision care—eye exams, glasses & contact lenses, and general eye health. But what really drives me is behavioural optometry, where I focus on how the brain and eyes work together. Many children with learning or behavioural challenges are struggling because the visual process isn’t working effectively, and I love helping them decode these issues.

What’s next for you and your business? 

I’m focusing more on expanding the behavioural optometry side of my practice, particularly for children. There’s a strong connection between vision and behaviour that’s often misunderstood. Many kids are labeled as “difficult” or “disruptive” when really, they’re just struggling to process what they see. I want to shed light on this connection and help these children navigate the world with more ease.

When you're not working, what are your favorite activities or hobbies? When I’m not working, I love indulging in my passion for food—whether it’s trying out new restaurants, experimenting in the kitchen, or sharing meals with family and friends. I’m also deeply interested in neuroscience, psychology, and human development, which keeps me curious and constantly learning, both personally and professionally. 

What’s the most rewarding part of your job? 

The transformations I witness in my patients are incredibly rewarding. When a child who was struggling in school suddenly “gets it”—whether they can read without strain or keep up with classmates—it’s like watching them bloom. It’s not just about correcting vision; it’s about empowering them to succeed. The relief from their parents when they realize their child wasn’t “challenging,” but just struggling with a visual issue, is priceless. 

What motivates you to keep going during difficult times? 

My motivation comes from knowing I can make a real difference in a child’s life. I love solving problems, and if one approach doesn’t work, I go back to the drawing board and try again. That relentless curiosity, combined with the drive to help children see clearly—both literally and figuratively—keeps me going even when things get tough.

Can you share a defining moment or challenge that shaped your journey? 

A turning point for me was realizing that many kids struggling in school weren’t dealing with behavioural issues at all—it was their vision. This discovery was like finding a missing puzzle piece, and it led me into behavioural optometry. That’s when I shifted my approach from just treating eyesight to understanding the full visual experience. It’s made all the difference in how I help children. What inspired you to start your business or career in this field? Curiosity has always driven me. Early on, I became fascinated with how vision is connected to so many parts of our lives. Over time, I saw that many children’s struggles—whether it’s reading, focusing, or even behaviour—are linked to vision, and I wanted to get to the root of it.

Who or what has been the biggest influence on your professional life? 

Honestly, the children I work with have been my biggest influence. Seeing children who are misunderstood or labelled as difficult, and then watching them thrive once their visual issues are addressed, fuels my passion. Do you have any favourite quotes or mantras that inspire you? Churchills quote “Never waste a good crisis!” features very strongly over the years especially during Covid! You have experience a photoshoot with Jill, what was it like for you and do you see yourself different now? Jill has an incredible gift for making you feel seen—not just literally, but in capturing the essence of who you are. The photoshoot was empowering and gave me a moment to reflect on how far I’ve come, from a traditional optometrist to “The Eye Detective.” It was a celebration of my journey and the impact I’m making.

What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a businesswoman? 

The biggest lesson has been that curiosity is your greatest asset. You can’t rely on doing things the way they have always been done. You need to dig deeper, push boundaries, and trust your team. Delegation is key—without my amazing staff keeping the practice running smoothly, I wouldn’t have the freedom to explore new areas. What legacy do you hope to leave behind? I hope my legacy is one of empowerment and transformation. I want to be remembered as someone who didn’t just treat vision problems but changed how people—especially children—interact with the world. If I can help even one child struggling to learn or be understood, I’ve done my job. 

How can people get intouch with you? 

 You can reach me through my website at www.kilcullenoptician.com, by email at bookings@kilcullenoptician.com, or by phone at 045-484643. 

I’m always happy to connect with parents, educators, and anyone interested in understanding how vision might be affecting learning or behaviour.