Rawlings Opticians & Hearing Care - Bookham

15/10/2025

As the days grow shorter, many of us find night-time driving more of a challenge. Glare from headlights, reduced contrast, and eye strain can all make autumn journeys tricky.

A regular eye test ensures your prescription is up to date and helps us check for any underlying issues that could affect your vision in low light.

👓 Book your eye examination today and feel confident on the road this autumn.

13/10/2025

Discover Longchamp Eyewear

Known for their chic Parisian heritage, Longchamp frames combine elegance with a playful use of colour and detail. From bold statement shapes to everyday sophistication, they’re designed for those who love timeless style with a modern twist.

Here's a selection of new styles recently landed in Hedge End branch.

Other available Longchamp styles are available at all branches across Hampshire and Surrey.

Longchamp

10/10/2025

A big thank you to Audiology Team Lead Bill Mills, who recently ran a session with the Bluebird Care team on how they can support their clients with hearing care needs. By working together, we can help more people improve their quality of life through better hearing.

09/10/2025

This World Sight Day, we’re shining a light on the importance of looking after your eyes. Over a billion people worldwide live with preventable sight loss – but a simple eye test can make all the difference. Protect your vision, catch problems early, and keep life in focus.

Book your eye test with us today and show your eyes the care they deserve.

03/10/2025

We’re very proud to be sponsoring the Caterham Pumas U9s Team - Here they are looking fantastic in their brand-new kit!

Wishing the team a successful season ahead ⚽💙 🧡

01/10/2025

October: Eye Injury Prevention Month

This month shines a spotlight on the importance of protecting our eyes—whether at home, at work, or during leisure activities. Many eye injuries are preventable, yet they remain a leading cause of vision loss.

Why prevention matters

- Over a million injuries each year – and many happen at home.
- Most are avoidable with simple protective measures.
- The impact is serious – from minor irritations to permanent sight loss.

Common causes & how to protect your eyes

- Workplace hazards: Use safety goggles or face shields for construction, workshops, or industrial tasks.
- DIY & home projects: Wear protective eyewear for gardening, DIY, car repairs, or when handling chemicals.
- Sports & recreation: Choose protective sports goggles or face guards.
- Fireworks: Always wear safety glasses and take extra care.
- Sun damage: Protect against harmful UV rays with sunglasses that block 100% UVA & UVB.

What to do if an injury happens

- Seek help immediately: Cuts, burns, or objects in the eye need urgent medical attention.
- Don’t self-treat: Leave it to professionals.
- First aid for chemical burns: Rinse with clean water straight away and head to the nearest emergency department.

✨ Protecting your vision today helps safeguard your sight for the future. This October, take a moment to put safety first.

29/09/2025

💬 Great feedback for our Hedge End team! We're proud that our service made a lasting impression — delivering expert care with warmth is what we aim for every day. Well done to the Hedge End branch!

24/09/2025

Rawlings Opticians & Hearing Care are proud sponsors of Alresford Bowling Club.

We were thrilled to be invited along to a Thursday night roll-up, where Phil and Ashton from our Alresford branch, together with Jon from our Marketing team, enjoyed giving bowls a try. They thoroughly enjoyed their evening, and a big thank you to the club for making them feel so welcome — we think they may have discovered a new hobby!

Alresford Bowling Club, located on Sun Lane, is thought to be over 200 years old. The club is always pleased to welcome new members — why not give it a try?

www.alresfordbowlingclub.org.uk

Chamber of Commerce

22/09/2025

It’s National Eye Health Week!

Looking after your eyes is just as important as looking after the rest of your health. Regular eye tests don’t just check your vision – they can also detect early signs of conditions such as diabetes, glaucoma, and high blood pressure.

This week is the perfect reminder to show your eyes some love 💙

Book your eye test today and keep your vision healthy for the future.

19/09/2025

Do your eyes feel tired after a day on screens? Digital eye strain (sometimes called computer vision syndrome) is now one of the most common complaints we see.

Symptoms include:

Dry, irritated eyes
Headaches
Blurred vision
Neck & shoulder pain

Swipe right to read our top tips for screen comfort.

If you’re noticing persistent discomfort, book an eye test with us — your eyes will thank you!

18/09/2025

We’re 130 Today! 🎉

On this day in 1895, Alfred John Rawling opened his very first shop at 137b North End, Croydon. Alfred, whose mother was Matron at the well-known Reedham Orphanage in Purley, had completed his apprenticeship as a jeweller and watchmaker with his uncle in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, before making Croydon his home.

The shop stood at the front of the newly built YMCA (opened just months earlier in May 1895). At first, Alfred lived behind the shop and took his meals and leisure time at the YMCA. In 1899, he married Hilda Oldfield and the couple set up home nearby.

Alongside jewellery, clocks and watch repairs, Alfred soon introduced spectacles, cases and repairs. His growing interest in vision care led him to train as an optician while still running the shop. By 1903 he had invested in sight-testing equipment, and in 1904 he passed the examinations of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers. That very diploma still hangs proudly at our Purley head office today. In 1927, Alfred became a Liveryman of the Company—one of the early pioneers in formally qualified optical practice.

Today, Rawlings remains family-run, with fourth-generation Richard Rawling at the helm. For 130 years, our commitment to caring for sight—and now hearing—continues stronger than ever.

13/09/2025