Bowen Opticians

10/01/2026

Keeping You Safe on the Road - What the New Over 70 Driver Vision Rules Mean 👁️ 🚗

You may have seen recent proposals from the UK Government to introduce mandatory eye tests for drivers aged 70 and over as part of licence renewals. Under the plans, people in this age group would be asked to have a formal sight test every three years when renewing their licence, instead of the current system where you simply self declare that your vision meets the legal standard.

Why this change? 👀
Age related changes in eyesight happen gradually, and it’s often hard to notice them yourself. Professional bodies like the College of Optometrists and the Association of Optometrists (AOP) have welcomed the proposals, noting that routine checks help ensure everyone on the road continues to meet the standards needed for safe driving. These organisations also highlight that making sure drivers’ eyesight is checked by a qualified professional can help catch eye conditions early, which could protect both vision and road safety.

Good news for patients ✅
Eye tests are free on the NHS for everyone aged 60 and over — so if you’re already having regular NHS eye exams, that service will continue to support your vision needs.

A reassuring reminder from us:
- These proposals are currently under consultation, they are not yet law.
- Seeing an optometrist regularly helps keep you safe on the road and gives you peace of mind about your vision.
- We’re here to answer questions and help you book your sight test anytime.

If you’d like to talk more about what this means for you or a loved one, just send us a message or pop in — we’re always happy to help! 💜

You can read more about what the experts say about the proposed changes here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/introducing-mandatory-eyesight-testing-for-older-drivers

https://www.college-optometrists.org/news/2026/january/optometrists-back-compulsory-eye-tests-drivers

29/12/2025

New Year Giveaway✨
To celebrate another successful year as a local independent business, we’re giving one lucky local winner a designer Safilo haul worth approximately £250!

The prize includes:
🎁 Carolina Herrera Good Girl perfume
🎁 Carolina Herrera clutch bag
🎁 Carrera hoodie
🎁 Carrera metal drinks bottle
🎁 Ducati cap
🎁 Kate Spade shopping bag

How to enter:
✅ Follow
✅ Like this post
✅ Tag 2 friends in the comments (each comment = extra entry!)

Giveaway closes Monday 5th January.
Winner must be able to collect their prize in person at our Bowen Opticians store and will be announced shortly after on our page.

Good luck & Happy New Year! 🥂

(T&C’s apply. Not sponsored, endorsed or associated with meta).

22/12/2025

Our opening times over the Christmas period 🎄

18/12/2025

This week we’ve had the pleasure of welcoming Julian, a first-year optometry student at UWE Bristol for a 10-day study placement - and it's been a fantastic experience for our whole team.
Julian is from Malta and is also a professional squash player!

Throughout his placement, he brought great enthusiasm, curiosity, and a professional attitude.

During his time with us, Julian spent time observing and assisting with eye examinations, carrying out a range of screening tests, and developing a deeper understanding of the day-to-day role of an optometrist. Outside the test room, he gained valuable hands-on experience in our laboratory, learning to cut lenses into frames, using equipment to quality check eyewear, and performing frame adjustments to ensure the best possible fit for patients. He also helped us select some new eyewear for the practice!

It's always a pleasure to support and inspire the next generation of eye care professionals, and we wish Julian every success as he continues his optometry journey - both in clinic and on the squash court! 🥎👁️

17/11/2025

Got a pair of old glasses knocking about? Bring them to us!
We’re an official collection point for Lions Clubs International global glasses recycling programme. Every pair donated is cleaned, graded, and prepared for re-use before being sent to communities across the world. So have a rummage and drop them in, we'll take your parent's, kid's, and neighbour's old pairs too! 🌎♻️

03/11/2025

A wonderful review and proof that we always have, and always will, act only in the best interest of our customers 💜

22/10/2025

Like the rest of the nation, we’re flabbergasted and hooked on Celebrity Traitors and we have a lot of questions. Who will the traitors murder next? Has Alan been this ruthless the whole time? Why won’t anyone listen to Joe M? But the most intriguing and important question of all…what eyewear would be chose for them and why? That question we CAN answer! 🏰⚰️

16/10/2025

Cataracts are a common part of ageing, but treatment is straightforward and can be life changing.

At Bowen Opticians, we guide you through every step, from diagnosis, to referral and aftercare. In fact, we are accredited to provide post-operative cataract assessments for most major cataract surgery providers, including Weston hospital and Spamedica.

Our latest blog explains how cataract surgery works, the referral process, and how we support you after surgery, including issuing a new prescription once your vision has settled.

Learn how Bowen Opticians guides you through every step of cataract care — from referral and surgery choices to your post-operative assessment and new prescription.

09/10/2025

What a beautiful autumn day!

Did you know that Worle high street has been a hub of village life for over a thousand years, and was mentioned in the Domesday Book? Our building dates from the 1800’s and was built as a house but has been a pet shop and antiques store in it’s time, before becoming our home in 1998.

Funny story; during a renovation in 2012, we discovered a very old, complete and intact snake skin under the floorboards! Rest assured there are no reptiles to be found these days. Though I suppose if one attended for an eye exam we could give it a go?! We’re very proud to own a practice in an area of such rich hissssstory (sorry). 🐍 👀

15/09/2025

Today we have been at Voluntary Action North Somerset’s Falls Prevention event, in conjunction with Age UK, Weston Hospital and more - chatting to members of the community about sight & hearing loss in relation to falls.

Falls are a major cause of injury and hospitalisation. In 2023/24 over 1000 people over 65 were admitted to hospital from the Weston area after a fall and 67% of those were aged over 80. The Falls Prevention Collaboration Group aim to reduce this number, and offer practical advice and support.

We were delighted to speak to so many people and share our expert resources. If you’d like more information about sight & hearing loss, or about fall prevention, get in touch with us by emailing contactus@bowenopticians.co.uk.

27/08/2025

You've bought the uniform, measured for new shoes, booked a haircut and washed the PE kit, but has your child had an up to date eye exam?

Good eyehealth is essential for reading, writing and confident learning. Even if they aren't struggling, eye exams are an invaluable health check and are free under the NHS.

You've taken care of everything else, let us take care of their vision. Book an eye exam today and start the school year clearly.

18/08/2025

Did you know 1 in 3 children in the UK are now myopic (short-sighted) — and the number is rising?

Myopia can affect learning, confidence, and long-term eye health, but the good news is it can be managed.

Find out more about how to protect your child’s vision on our website 👉 https://www.bowenopticians.co.uk/myopia-and-shortsightedness-in-children/

📊 UK data source: College of Optometrists — Myopia prevalence and progression in children