Purley

Address
946 Brighton Road
Purley
CR8 2LP
Opening Times
Monday to Friday09.00 - 17.30
Saturday09.00 - 17.30

Your trusted destination for expert Optical and Audiology services in Purley

Our experienced Optical & Audiology team in Purley is here to help you achieve the best in visual and hearing performance in a warm, welcoming environment.

Skilled Optometrists

Providing unrushed, thorough eye tests using the latest diagnostic technology, including Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) for early detection of conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration.

We specialise in:

The Purley team

Our dispensing team led by Matt can help you choose from a curated selection of independent and designer eyewear, including Vanni, Dutz, Moscot, Gucci, Saint Laurent, and William Morris. There’s no need to worry about which style will suit you, as our the team are always on hand to give you a personal shopping experience and will guide you to the best lenses and frame fit for optimum vision and comfort – and help you look your best too.

Children’s glasses

We also offer a fun and fashionable children’s eyewear range, including Rockstar and Tomato Glasses – perfect for young trendsetters.

Audiology care in Purley

As well as eye care we also have a dedicated hearing care service. Our in-house Audiologist, Jessica, provides:

Whether it’s for eye care, contact lenses, stylish frames, or hearing services – the team at Rawlings Purley is here to help you see and hear better.

What our Purley customers say about us

  • Genuinely lovely staff, who really take time to explain things and make it all easy to process. Great frame selection also, would highly recommend

    Nicholas Homer Avatar Nicholas Homer
    15 July 2025

    Outstanding opticians, really really great staff. A pleasure to visit

    Gerry Avatar Gerry
    26 June 2025

    Excellent helpful staff.

    John Clements Avatar John Clements
    19 June 2025
  • Was recommended Rawlings by a work colleague and am so glad I switched from my "high street" optician. Had a consultation with Simon who was very kind and professional, explaining everything to me. Did not feel at all rushed and felt listened to. Will continue all my eye care with Rawlings from now on. Their customer service is fantastic and all the members of the team are friendly.

    Hw Avatar Hw
    10 May 2025

    Welcoming, spotless reception area. Very friendly reception staff. Optician friendly, attentive and knowledgeable. No pressure to buy glasses but good advice given.

    ROSEMARY GOODCHILD Avatar ROSEMARY GOODCHILD
    10 May 2025

    Excellent service, made time to see me for two emergencies when they weren’t even my own optician - so impressed I have now moved all my eye care to them. Simon explains everything clearly and the dispensing optician was so helpful in finding me to find frames that were a little out of my comfort zone, which I love.

    Lorna Wall Avatar Lorna Wall
    10 April 2025
  • I attended Rawlings Opticians Purley on 13/3/25 under the Primary Eyecare scheme and saw optometrist Simon Callaghan. I was referred by my GP as my eye condition required expert examination and I have a long history of eye problems. I cannot speak highly enough of the service I received from Simon who saw me at short notice and gave me a complete eye examination and was able to furnish my GP with a comprehensive report on my eye condition and to recommend suitable medication. So a big thank you to Simon and the helpful reception staff and I recommend Rawlings to others. David Skingle.

    David Skingle Avatar David Skingle
    10 April 2025

    I’ve been going to Rawlings at Purley for a few years now, they provide a great service. The ladies on reception are friendly and remember you face and name, which is nice. The opticians are very knowledgeable and thorough. In last couple of years I’ve had a few age related issues including torn retina and that’s lead to a recent serious eye surgery and they’ve helped and guided me through that. The eye scans they take and their ability o quickly show you comparisons with last years scans is very helpful. Special shout out to Dawne because she has a lovely smile.

    Stuart Barefield Avatar Stuart Barefield
    10 April 2025

    Very efficient and friendly service. Nothing appeared to be too much trouble when explaining the eye test.

    James Angell Avatar James Angell
    10 March 2025
  • The optometrist was very friendly and thorough. He had some concerns about my left eye and referred me immediately to a local branch of Moorfields Eye Hospital, where I was diagnosed and successfully treated on the next working day. 5/5!

    John Adams Avatar John Adams
    10 March 2025

    The optometrist was very friendly and thorough. He had some concerns about my left eye and referred me immediately to a local branch of Moorfields Eye Hospital, where I was diagnosed and successfully treated on the next working day. 5/5!

    John Adams Avatar John Adams
    20 February 2025

    Friendly staff and great care from the highly experienced team. Would definitely recommend Rawlings if you are looking for an opticians in the Purley area.

    Martin Avatar Martin
    10 February 2025
  • Friendly, caring staff who take the time to ensure you fully understand every step of the scans / tests and answer any questions you have.

    Victoria Armitage Avatar Victoria Armitage
    10 February 2025

    At Rawlings’ Purley branch, Simon quickly & accurately diagnosed a torn and detached retina. The urgent referral letter he gave me helped ensure I received prompt treatment. He explained everything very clearly to me.

    Cherry T Avatar Cherry T
    6 February 2025

    I visited on the 21/01/25 as an emergency appointment from my gp, and all staff were absolutely amazing. The optician was incredible nice and patient with me explaining everything in detail taking his time. They even changed my appointment to a bit later cause i couldn't make it so early. Very friendly and professional. T.L

    Tamara Lima Avatar Tamara Lima
    30 January 2025
  • Having been in the optical business myself for over 40 years in the UK and (much) further afield, I feel I'm in a strong position to say, quite categorically, that you would be hard pressed to receive better service anywhere than that which I received at Rawlings in Purley. I was welcomed warmly by Matt when I arrived, and Simon's incredibly comprehensive exam was outstanding. Every step was explained fully, and the high-tech equipment is impressive, to say the least. I left feeling very much reassured and confident in his findings. Thank you so much!

    brian simpson Avatar brian simpson
    27 January 2025

    Excellent service from Purley Rawlings Optician. Detailed eye examination with the latest equipment. Thorough explanation of the findings and assistance choosing my next frame. Very pleased with the services I have received over the years. Gbenga

    Gbenga Asigo Avatar Gbenga Asigo
    27 January 2025

    Excellent service from Purley Rawlings Optician. Detailed eye examination with the latest equipment. Thorough explanation of the findings and assistance choosing my next frame. Very pleased with the services I have received over the years. Gbenga

    Gbenga Asigo Avatar Gbenga Asigo
    10 January 2025
  • I’ve been going to Rawlings, Purley for around 30 years and always found them helpful, professional and friendly. They were great with my children when they were small.

    Deborah Rastall Avatar Deborah Rastall
    10 January 2025

    Had an OCT eye test with Simon Callaghan a few days ago. He is the best optometrist I have ever encountered. Knowledgeable, kind and empathetic. I felt assured, trusted his diagnosis, and felt so much better after my appointment. All the staff (manager and receptionists) are welcoming. They are The A Team!

    ina chu Avatar ina chu
    27 December 2024

    I had my appointment with Priscilla on 14th November for a regular sight and eye health check. Priscilla was very professional, but also extremely kind and patient and took the time to really listen to my concerns . She explained in some detail why I didn't need to worry and has completely reassured me. Thank you Priscilla. And also, the receptionists are delightful! I have been coming to this branch for 40 years - I wouldn't go anywhere else. JL

    Jane Lane Avatar Jane Lane
    10 December 2024

Our Purley branch staff

Matt_Malone

Manager

Matt Malone

FBDO

I came into optics quite late – originally working for my brother-in-law and sister who owned a franchise of a multiple opticians in Brixton. This was quite a career change as my previous employment had been as a mechanical engineer and commercial tyre fitter who quite frequently shut the M25 to change a truck tyre – so when you heard that on the news that there was a lane closure its more than likely me that I caused it! My career change was brought about after being a stay-at-home dad for a spell looking after my daughter who had health issues as a tiny tot but happily she is now a healthy pre-teen.

Once I had decided that I wanted to stay in optics I trained to be a qualified Dispensing Optician and I’m so glad I did, as this led to be becoming branch manager after I qualified in 2017. I was later head hunted by another branch within the chain where I began further training to become a Contact Lens Optician. However, although this was valuable experience and expanded my knowledge of contact lenses significantly, I decided to return to management as I felt I wanted to reconnect with patients. As soon I saw the Rawlings Opticians Purley Manager role advertised, I knew I wanted it– with the heritage and history, I knew I would be working for a great company that obviously have a great business plan and structure. I saw myself working in an independent Opticians which was a true family business, and I wanted to be able to have the time and freedom talk to the patients to build long-term relationships that can span generations. I wasn’t looking to change jobs but the chance to work with one of the UK’s longest-standing Opticians was an opportunity not to be missed.

Outside of optics I still love to work on cars and do building projects, I have just recently moved to Crawley and bought a house that is going to need a lot of work which I will enjoy the challenge of. I love heavy metal music and watching the six nations rugby and as I am from Dublin Ireland you can guess who I root for! Another hobby is the completing treasure/murder mystery trails all over the UK mostly in the west so far with my family, I have a daughter who is almost a teenager.

Optometrists / Contact Lens Opticians / Audiologists

Jessica Tovey

(RHAD) BA Sp&A (Hons)

I qualified as a speech therapist and audiologist in 2015 in South Africa and having a deeper insight into the mutual influences of both the hearing system and speech system and how this influences the brain functioning enables me to treat my patients from a holistic point of view.

I have always had a deep passion for helping people and will always go above and beyond for my patients. I love really getting to know my patients and giving them back the gift of hearing so they can reconnect with their loved ones.

Initially I practiced full time at a government hospital (NHS equivalent) in South Africa which developed my passion for working with patients from all walks of life. Here I gained experience working with TB, noise exposure, age related hearing loss, middle ear pathologies and syndromes to name a few. I then moved to the UK in 2020 where I worked in an independent practice which strengthened my skills in hearing technology and tinnitus. I have experience working with both adults and pediatrics in Audiology and my special interests are microsuction, age related hearing loss, tinnitus and noise exposure.

I maintain current knowledge by engaging in various courses and CPD activities and I strive to continually grow as an Individual. I enjoy developing and pioneering innovative ideas for practice and clinical growth and I’m looking forward to bringing this into Rawlings hearing care and working together to provide patient centered care.

Priscilla-Cunningham

Priscilla Cunningham

BSc MCOptom

Initially I couldn’t decide if I wanted to be a veterinary surgeon or an optometrist. After a year of working in a veterinary clinic I learned a lot, for example how to monitor animals’ vitals in surgery, how to get a cat to take its medication and most importantly that I really didn’t want to be a vet at all, I just wanted a pet dog! As the head veterinary nurse gently put it, I was “good with animals, but better with people”.

In contrast I was really enamoured with my work experience in a local optician at the age of 17 and the open day at City University I later attended. I had not appreciated quite how much went into glazing prescription lenses into spectacles, nor how the shapes of the frames and type of lenses you chose decided the cosmetic finish. I also was fascinated with how the eyes truly were the “windows to the soul” in that you could potentially find signs pointing to issues with the blood, brain, nervous system, digestive system and more through an eye exam.

I studied optometry at City University graduating in 2007. I worked for various chains of opticians around London, Kent and Surrey over the years and also provided regular cover for the Harrods opticians.

I’m one of those weird people who actually loves my job and I have a calm, caring and friendly personality. So naturally I jumped at the chance to work at Rawlings in an independent environment where the equipment, training and links with the hospitals means I can provide the best care possible for our patients.

I’m particularly interested in contact lenses and the healthcare side of my job and am known for explaining complicated matters in a manner free of jargon that is easily understood by my patients, using day to day illustrations or apps to put the point across.

Outside of work I enjoy dancing, music, painting, cooking, bible study and in true west African style attempting to feed anyone who enters my house for more than 10 minutes! I am an avid sports fan and follow Arsenal football club, having also adopted Crystal Palace FC since moving across the river in 2011.

Deeviya_Vijendra

Deeviya Vijendra

Bsc MCOptom

As a teenager exploring potential career paths during my GCSE’s, I discovered my passion for optometry. The prospect of helping people see clearly and ensuring the health of their eyes fascinated me from the start, and this fascination has only grown stronger over the years. I embarked on my journey into the optical industry at City University, where I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Optometry.

There’s something incredibly rewarding about enhancing someone’s vision and, by extension, their quality of life. Optometry isn’t just a job for me; it’s a calling that I pursue with enthusiasm and dedication.

I am deeply committed to staying at the forefront of my field and that’s why I consistently engage myself in ongoing training and education. This ensures I provide my patients with the most cutting-edge and effective eye-care solutions available.

Recently having joined Rawlings Opticians & Hearing Care, the company’s exceptional commitment to patient care and its unwavering focus on clinical excellence is what intrigued me the most. Being part of a team that shares my passion for delivering top-notch eye care services has been an inspiring experience.

Outside the world of optometry, I indulge in my love for the arts. Reading opens new worlds for me, and I find immense joy in expressing my creativity through drawing and painting. These hobbies not only provide a balance to my professional life but also fuel my creativity and passion.

Simon_Callaghan

Simon Callaghan

BSc MCOptom Dip TP (IP) Prof Cert Med Ret, Prof Cert Glauc

I graduated from Ulster University with a first class honours degree in 2011. I made the move to England to complete my pre-registration period in West Sussex and joined Rawling’s in late 2014. The years have flown by and I have progressed a lot since joining the company.

I’m based at the Purley branch where I enjoy seeing our regular loyal patient base. This branch is actively involved in local shared care schemes in conjunction with the NHS. This allows us to see and treat patients with minor eye conditions without them seeing their GP or the hospital eye service. I find this area challenging and rewarding as I come across some very interesting ocular cases along with meeting new people.

I am also keen on offering additional services such as myopia management and am fortunate to have access to myopia management spectacles, soft contact lenses along with the ability to perform orthokeratology, all of which have been a great success. I like to keep up to date with advances in the optical industry along with technology and attend regular training events and conferences.

In my spare time, I enjoy relaxing with friends, keeping fit in the gym along with heading back to Ireland to visit family.

Chi_Lam_Chan

Chi Lam Chan

MCOptom Prof Cert Glauc

I’m proud to have joined Rawlings Opticians—a company deeply committed to safeguarding people’s vision through compassionate and expert care.

Becoming an optometrist feels like fate. When I graduated from secondary school, I had no clear idea about my future, so I randomly selected a few subjects in college, and eventually I was accepted into a Higher Diploma in Ophthalmic Dispensing. That decision turned out to be quite meaningful—especially after I began working part time as an optical assistant in an optician’s shop at age 17.

After three years of study, I graduated with distinction and received an offer to pursue an honours degree in Optometry at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. This phase was pivotal: I learned comprehensive eye care knowledge and how to become a professional healthcare practitioner. It inspired my ambition to be a sincere and dedicated optometrist.

I graduated in 2011 and began serving the public in an ophthalmic clinic. My aspiration to become a primary eye care professional never faded, even when I moved to the UK in 2021.

I completed my pre-registration training within a year and qualified as an optometrist in 2023. My area of special interest and expertise is in myopia control, particularly with orthokeratology lenses. I have been prescribing these lenses since 2011 so I have many years of experience. I have helped many children manage their shortsightedness and maintain healthy eyes.

I am truly proud to be a professional optometrist working for this historic and respected firm.

Decio Figuera

Decio Figueira

MSHAA RHAD

I qualified as a Hearing Aid Dispenser from South Devon University in September 2024. I find immense satisfaction in helping patients overcome their hearing challenges and achieve their best possible hearing. I’m dedicated to providing compassionate and effective care, empowering patients to live more connected and fulfilling lives.

My career in healthcare began in 2016, initially on the optical side of a large chain. I then joined Rawlings Opticians & Hear Care in 2018, as a dispensing assistant until 2021. After gaining further experience elsewhere, my passion led me to transition into hearing care in 2023. I embarked on my unique path to qualify as a Hearing Aid Dispenser through an apprenticeship, graduating in September 2024. My hands-on experience provided me with a deep understanding of diverse patient needs and environments, ensuring accessible and tailored care.

I have a keen interest in comprehensive auditory rehabilitation and exploring diverse hearing techniques that extend beyond traditional hearing aids. I’m passionate about empowering patients with a holistic approach to improving their hearing health.

Having previously worked with Rawlings Opticians & Hear Care, I’m delighted to return as a qualified Hearing Aid Dispenser. I was particularly drawn back by the company’s unwavering commitment to independent, patient-centred care, which allows me the freedom to offer a wide range of unbiased recommendations and truly provide the best advice for each patient. I am a strong advocate for continuous professional development (CPD) and consistently seek out new courses and qualifications to refine my skills and stay at the forefront of hearing care advancements.

Beyond formal learning, I’m always eager to assist colleagues with the day-to-day running of the practice, reflecting my deep commitment to a supportive team environment and continuous improvement. I am excited to continue my professional journey here at Rawlings.

Outside of work, my time is dedicated to my family, enjoying moments with my parents, siblings, nephews, and nieces, and exploring new places with my partner. I also have a passion for continuous learning, often researching various subjects to gain more information and knowledge and finding ways to put that into practice, which continually enriches both my personal and professional

Our dispensing team

Matthew Malone FBDO (Manager)
Hanna Clinch FBDO
Izabela Owczarek FBDO

Travel information

1 hour parking (10.00 – 16.00), 10 yards from practice entrance
Car park behind shops off Brighton Road – short or long stay
Tesco car park up to 3 hours – free
Bus stops within 50 yards of practice for routes 60, 166, 407, 412 and 466 serving the local areas
Purley
Tesco Extra 8 Purley Rd, Purley CR8 2HA
Consulting room and dispensing area on ground floor
(Please specify when booking an appointment if a ground floor consulting room is desired)

Out of hours eyecare for customers of the Purley practice

There are occasions when emergency treatment is needed for the eyes. If you are concerned and it is outside of our opening hours there is an eye casualty department based St. Georges Hospital in Tooting. For more information please click here or phone 0208 7252064. Click here for directions to the hospital.

Alternatively you may contact the NHS Emergency and urgent care line by dialling 111.