Rawlings Opticians & Hearing Care - Stockbridge

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

12/09/2025

Last month we bid a fond farewell to Optometrist Pamela Potts as she retired from Rawlings Opticians & Hearing Care after more than 30 years of dedicated service. Pam joined us in 1994 and has been a much-valued member of our team ever since, caring for generations of patients with warmth and professionalism. We are sure many of you will join us in wishing her all the very best for a long, happy, and well-deserved retirement.

Happy Retirement Pam!

10/09/2025

We’re proud to be official sponsors of for the upcoming season! As a local business, supporting our community and grassroots sport is incredibly important to us. Sally and the Stockbridge branch are looking forward to cheering the team on and being part of their journey both on and off the pitch. Best of luck for a successful season ahead, Stockbridge FC! ⚽

! @stockbridgefc Stockbridge Football Club

05/09/2025

We’re delighted to announce a new collaboration with Bluebird Care, enabling their carers to provide basic audiology support to patients under the expert guidance of our Lead Audiologist, Bill Mills.

Founded over 20 years ago, Bluebird Care delivers high-quality domiciliary care, supporting individuals with everyday needs — from personal care and household tasks to companionship and specialist support for conditions such as dementia — all while helping people remain in the comfort of their own homes.

Here’s Bill with Daniel Langridge, Head of Partnerships & Development, during a recent visit to our Alresford branch.

03/09/2025

Last month we were delighted to present Bridget with a special gift and flowers to celebrate her 30th anniversary with Rawlings Opticians & Hearing Care. Bridget joined us in 1995 as a Dispensing Optician and still plays an important role today, working part-time at our Alresford and Alton branches.

Chamber of Commerce

01/09/2025

How does Alzheimer’s affect the Eyes?

Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, can impact vision in several ways, affecting colour perception, spatial awareness, and how visual information is processed. While it’s normal for peripheral vision to narrow slightly with age, in someone with dementia, this reduction can be much more severe—sometimes limited to a narrow 12-inch circle of central vision directly in front of them.

In more advanced stages, the brain may struggle to process visual input effectively, at times relying on only one eye. This kind of vision loss can be especially confusing and distressing for the individual, as it’s often difficult for them to understand what’s happening.

Visual impairments can also increase confusion. When someone has difficulty recognising people, objects, or judging distances—such as how far away a person is or how high a step might be—it can lead to disorientation and mistakes, further compounding their challenges.

Additionally, if the person wears glasses, they may forget to clean them, resulting in blurred vision. In some cases, they may forget to wear them altogether, further worsening their visual difficulties.

Early action could help reduce your risk of dementia and improve your quality of life. Don’t wait

Take a free online hearing test
Book an eye examination
Come and see us at your local Rawlings branch

https://rawlingsopticians.co.uk/2025/05/19/dementia-action-week-2025-understanding-the-vital-link-between-hearing-loss-vision-impairment-and-dementia/

29/08/2025

We love seeing our happy patients!

Sisters, Hayley and Mary-Jane picked out their very first specs in Alton branch.

Each of the girls chose a Tiger Cub frame in their favourite style and colour. Looking fab, girls! ✨

Wi******er branch assisted Josephine in choosing the Gucci 15390 frame – bold and distinctive, yet in a versatile hue that complements almost anything in her wardrobe. Great choice!

******erOpticians

27/08/2025

Ready for School? Don’t Forget Their Eye Test!

New shoes? ✅
New backpack? ✅
Eye test? …Don’t forget this essential on the back-to-school checklist!

Over the summer holidays is a great time to book a free NHS eye test for your child — especially if they’re starting school this September.

Even if they’re not showing any obvious signs of struggling, undetected vision issues can affect reading, writing, and concentration in the classroom.

💡 Did you know?

Children often won’t realise they have vision problems — they think what they see is normal

Eye tests are fun (we promise!)

They don't need to know their letters to have an eye test

We offer a great selection of kids’ glasses, if needed — stylish, durable, and NHS-funded

📅 Beat the back-to-school rush and book their check-up today at your nearest Rawlings branch.

18/08/2025

Contact Lens Health Week Spotlight: Ortho-K

What if you could correct your vision while you sleep — and wear no lenses at all during the day? That’s exactly what Ortho-K offers!

These specially designed contact lenses are worn overnight to gently reshape the front of the eye, giving you clear vision all day long — no glasses or daytime lenses needed. 🙌

✔️ Perfect for active lifestyles
✔️ A great option for kids with myopia
✔️ Non-surgical, safe & reversible
✔️ No risk of lens wear during sports, swimming or long screen days

As we celebrate Contact Lens Health Week, it’s the perfect time to explore healthier, low-maintenance options like Ortho-K — especially if you're looking to simplify your routine or support your child’s eye health long-term.

📅 Book a consultation and find out if Ortho-K is right for you or your child!

13/08/2025

Healthy eyes love fresh air!

With the summer holidays in full swing, now’s the perfect time to encourage your children to spend more time outdoors — and it’s not just good for their mood… it’s great for their eyes too!

Myopia (short-sightedness) is becoming more common in children, especially with increased screen time and time spent indoors. But studies show that spending at least 90 minutes a day outside can help reduce the risk and slow progression.

🛝 Climbing frames, picnics, bike rides, football — it all counts!
🌳 Natural light and long-distance focus give growing eyes a much-needed break from screens.

If your child already wears glasses or has started to struggle with distance vision, we offer myopia management options like specialist glasses and contact lenses that are proven to help.

Let’s make this summer one for healthy habits and healthy eyes. Book an appointment with us to find out more. 💙