Rawlings history began in 1895, when Alfred John Rawling, a trained jeweller and watchmaker, opened a small shop in Croydon with a loan from his wife. Known as Rawling & Oldfield, the shop originally repaired clocks and sold jewellery—but Alfred’s fascination with optics soon took over.
By 1904, he’d qualified as an optician and began practicing from two rooms at the back of the store, assisted by his sister. This pioneering spirit—and commitment to care—set the tone for generations to come.
As Alfred and Hilda Rawling raised their five children, all became part of the business. Four sons became opticians; their daughter handled the books.
Early expansions included:
• Croydon (relocated to 8 High Street in 1914)
• Winchester (1923)
• Purley (1933)
• Caterham (1937)
Advertising was imaginative and local—tram enamel signs and even a lantern projecting an eye image onto roads (until it startled too many horses in Winchester!).
The family has remained closely connected to the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers, a London livery company founded in the 1600’s, with Douglas and Michael Rawling serving as Masters, and several of the current Directors being Liverymen.
The Rawling tradition of excellence didn’t stop there. Alfred’s grandchildren became qualified optometrists and opened more practices through the 20th and 21st centuries:
• Alton (1961)
• Chandlers Ford (1984)
• Hedge End (1993)
• Alresford (1993)
• Bookham (2019) – formerly Donners Optometrists
• Stockbridge (2022)
• Lymington (2024)
• Banstead (2025) formerly Eyecare at Banstead Village
In 2022, we introduced Rawlings Hearing Care, offering hearing tests, microsuction wax removal, and high-performance hearing aids in Hampshire and Surrey. The company was renamed Rawlings Opticians & Hearing Care to reflect this broader vision.
Looking for expert eye or hearing care?
Still independent, still family-run, and still passionate about care.
At Rawlings, our story is more than history—it’s the heart of who we are today.
Rawlings is a long-established independent business serving the communities of twelve towns in Hampshire and Surrey, where we have built a strong reputation for the quality of our professional expertise and service.
Rawlings & Sons (Opticians) Limited is registered in England and Wales No 02862381. Rawlings & Sons (Opticians) Limited are a credit broker and not a lender. We offer credit products from Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC trading as Novuna. Rawlings & Sons (Opticians) Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority FRN 990854. Credit subject to age and status. Finance is only available for audiology products The interest free plans which are repayable within 12 months and in no more than 12 instalments are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Unregulated plans are not covered by the Financial Ombudsman Service.
© Rawlings Opticians 2025 Contact | Privacy Policy | Feedback | FAQ | Complaints | Disclosure Statement
Contact | Privacy Policy | Feedback | FAQ | Complaints | Disclosure Statement
© Rawlings Opticians 2025
