Newsletter – Spring/Summer 2026

Exciting News: Expanded Optical Services Now in Lymington

We’re delighted to share exciting news for the local community — Rawlings Opticians & Hearing Care has expanded to enable us to provide optical services in Lymington.

Lymington Branch PhotoOur new location on the High Street marks an important step in our continued commitment to delivering high-quality, independent eye care with a personal touch. Patients based in the New Forest can now benefit from the same trusted expertise, advanced clinical technology and attentive service that Rawlings is known for — closer to home. This expansion builds on our already thriving hearing care service in Lymington, which has been successfully supporting patients locally and has now moved into larger premises to accommodate both optical and hearing care under one roof. Josh our Branch Manager has made the move from our Winchester branch and along with Optometric Assistant Jorja they will be happy welcome you to the light, airy and modern setting.

The new practice offers comprehensive eye examinations using modern diagnostic equipment to assess not only your vision but your overall eye health. From routine sight tests to more detailed investigations using OCT scans, our experienced team is dedicated to early detection, prevention and personalised care.

Alongside clinical excellence, we also provide a carefully curated selection of eyewear. As an independent opticians, we take pride in offering distinctive frames and high-quality lenses tailored to your prescription, lifestyle and personal style. Whether you are looking for everyday glasses, specialist lenses or prescription sunglasses, our team will guide you through the options to ensure clarity, comfort and confidence. With frame ranges from Lindberg, Moscot, Gucci and Maui Jim among many others, you can be assured of finding the right look for your style.

With both optical and hearing services now available in one convenient location, accessing professional, joined-up care has never been easier. We look forward to welcoming both new and existing patients to our Lymington practice and continuing to support better vision, better hearing and better overall wellbeing for the whole community.

Introducing Coco Song – Eyewear as Unique as You

At Rawlings Opticians & Hearing Care, we are delighted to introduce our new Coco Song range — a truly distinctive eyewear collection that blends luxury, craftsmanship and artistic flair.

Coco Song ModelDesigned in Italy, Coco Song frames are renowned for their intricate detailing and use of natural materials. Each piece is carefully handcrafted using fine silks, dried flowers, feathers and precious elements embedded within high-quality acetate. The result is eyewear that feels less like an accessory and more like a wearable work of art.

What makes Coco Song particularly special is its individuality. No two frames are ever exactly the same, thanks to the natural materials incorporated into each design. The colour palettes are rich and expressive, ranging from warm ambers and deep burgundies to vibrant blues and soft pastels. Whether you prefer a bold statement piece or something more refined and elegant, the collection offers styles that celebrate personality and confidence.

Beyond their beauty, Coco Song frames are designed with comfort and durability in mind. The carefully balanced construction ensures a secure, lightweight fit, while premium lenses can be tailored precisely to your prescription and lifestyle needs.

Perfect for those who want their eyewear to stand out for all the right reasons, Coco Song combines fashion and function effortlessly. Visit Rawlings Opticians & Hearing Care to explore the latest Coco Song collection and discover a frame that is as individual and expressive as you are.

The Latest in Hearing Aid Technology

Hearing aid technology has advanced dramatically in recent years, transforming not only how people hear, but how they live. As highlighted in our recent blog, *Advances in Hearing Care: How Modern Solutions Are Improving Everyday Life* , today’s solutions are more intelligent, discreet and personalised than ever before.

Modern digital hearing aids are designed to automatically adapt to different listening environments. Whether you are enjoying a quiet conversation at home or meeting friends in a busy caf?, advanced noise reduction and speech-enhancement features work to make conversations clearer and more comfortable . This significantly reduces listening effort and fatigue, allowing for longer, more relaxed social interactions.

Design has also evolved. Hearing aids are now smaller, lighter and far more discreet, helping to challenge outdated perceptions and boost confidence from the very first fitting . Importantly, modern solutions are highly personalised, with tailored sound settings and comfortable fittings designed for all-day wear .

Private hearing aids can offer a higher level of technology, including more advanced sound processing, superior background noise management and improved performance in complex listening environments such as restaurants or group conversations . They also provide a wider choice of discreet styles and greater flexibility in features and connectivity. Just as importantly, private hearing care offers quicker access to appointments, longer consultation times and true continuity of care — meaning you see the same clinician who understands your hearing history and can fine-tune your devices as your needs evolve. NHS hearing aids continue to provide an excellent and essential service for many people, but private care allows you to build on that support with enhanced technology, personalised programming and ongoing dedicated attention .

Connectivity is another key innovation. Many devices can link directly to smartphones and televisions, allowing calls and audio to stream straight to the hearing aids . App-based controls give users greater independence and real-time control over their hearing experience.

At Rawlings Opticians & Hearing Care, we combine the latest technology with personalised, professional care — because when hearing improves, so does everything it connects you to .

 

You trust us with your eyesight, now trust us with your hearing

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Ear diagram

Summer Style & Superior Vision with Maui Jim at Rawlings

With summer just around the corner, it’s time to think about protecting your eyes in style. At Rawlings Opticians & Hearing Care, we’re delighted to showcase our latest collection of Maui Jim sunglasses – the perfect combination of premium protection, exceptional clarity and effortless design.

Maui Jim ModelMaui Jim sunglasses are renowned for their advanced PolarizedPlus2? lens technology, designed not only to reduce glare but also to enhance colour, contrast and detail. Whether you’re driving, enjoying a seaside stroll, relaxing in the garden or heading abroad, Maui Jim lenses help you see the world at its brilliant best while providing 100% UV protection.

As an independent practice, we carefully select brands that deliver both quality and comfort for our patients. Maui Jim frames are lightweight, durable and available in a wide range of styles to suit every face shape and lifestyle – from classic and understated to bold and contemporary.

Many styles are also available with prescription lenses, so you don’t have to compromise on clear vision to enjoy the benefits of premium sun protection. Our experienced team will guide you through the options and ensure a precise, comfortable fit. With a choice of lens colours and finishes (including mirrored and graduated), you can even design your own bespoke look.

Don’t leave your eyes unprotected this summer. Visit Rawlings Opticians & Hearing Care to explore the Maui Jim collection and discover how the right sunglasses can transform your outdoor experience – combining performance, protection and standout style all season long.

Summer is coming – make sure your vision is ready for it.

Minor Eye Conditions – Expert Care When You Need It Most

Spring and early summer often bring brighter days — but for many people, they also bring uncomfortable eye symptoms. Seasonal allergies are particularly common at this time of year, causing red, itchy, watery and irritated eyes that can interfere with everyday life.

man having eye testAt Rawlings Opticians & Hearing Care, we provide Minor Eye Conditions appointments, offering prompt assessment and treatment for a range of eye concerns. This includes symptoms such as allergic conjunctivitis, sore or inflamed eyes, flashes and floaters, dry or watery eyes, eyelid problems and sudden changes in vision.

Rather than waiting for a GP appointment or attending A&E, patients can be seen by our experienced optometrists, who are trained to assess and manage these conditions using specialist equipment. Where necessary, we can provide advice, treatment, or referral to the hospital eye service for further investigation. We allow time for discussion and advice to give you the best outcome and where follow up is required, we aim to give you continuity of care.

Allergy-related eye problems are especially prevalent at this time of year. Pollen can trigger significant discomfort, but with the right diagnosis and targeted treatment, symptoms can usually be managed effectively and quickly. Seeking early advice can prevent symptoms from worsening and provide welcome relief during the height of the season.

All twelve of our branches offer this service and in some areas, where local authorities have commissioned this service, appointments are available at no charge to eligible patients. Our team will be happy to advise whether you qualify under local arrangements, and where there is local funding you can still access a private Minor Eye Conditions appointment.

If you are experiencing uncomfortable or unusual eye symptoms, don’t ignore them. Expert help may be closer — and more accessible — than you think.

A Very Generous Feedback Winner

Hannah receiving chequeWe were blown away by the generosity of one of our Croydon customers! Colin Campbell was the winner of our feedback competition and he very kindly donated his £250 prize to the Walk 500 charity, which raises money for Nystagmus research.

Hannah, who is completing the Walk 500 challenge, dropped into our Hedge End branch to collect the £250 cheque from manager Natasha.