Croydon
Branch Information
Everyone at Croydon would like to invite you to join us in our relaxed, friendly, and professional atmosphere. Rawlings Opticians was founded here in Croydon in 1895 and having been based in our 8 High Street location since 1900, we are very proud of our branch!
We had a major refurbishment in December 2023, and we couldn’t be happier with how it has turned out. Our new look is stylish and more modern than before and feels spacious due to the redesign. The new pale mint and copper colour scheme is calm and classy with a boutique feel, with our wide range of frames displayed in an array of sleek shelving, and room for our audiology displays too. Patients who have been coming to us for years still can’t believe how different it is and everyone has loved it!
In addition to sight tests and spectacles, we also offer a range of other services including contact lens fittings and eye health appointments (available privately or under the Croydon based COS scheme). As of March 2023 we are proud to offer hearing assessments, ear wax removal, custom ear plugs and private hearing aids through Jessica, our Rawlings Audiologist.
Our Optometrists give a full and thorough eye examination and we are able to image the back of your eye at greater depth than using photography alone using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), allowing us to study your eyes in incredible detail. OCT is the most advanced ocular imaging technique and uses light waves to collect thousands of cross-sectional images of the inside of the eyes and allows us to detect ocular disease such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, and other retinal abnormalities much earlier.
We understand that any optical product, especially a new spectacle frame, can take time to choose and we will give you as much time as you need. You will not feel like you are on a conveyer belt here and we pride ourselves on this fact. Here at Croydon we specialise in children’s glasses, from small babies to teenagers and beyond when they transition to our adult ranges. We offer a range of frames for everyone, and our Dispensing Team work hard to ensure all patients walk out with glasses they feel confident and comfortable wearing, no matter the shape, size, or style.
We can’t wait to see what the future holds for our practice and welcome you to come visit us to meet our friendly and helpful team. We look forward to seeing you!
Opening times
| Monday to Friday: | 08.30 - 17.30 |
| Saturday: | 08.30 - 17.30 |
Manager
Reena Patel FBDO
I qualified as a Dispensing Optician in 2007 at City and Islington College. Having had no idea what I wanted to do after receiving my A–Level results, a friend recommended that I give the Dispensing course a go and so I found a place through clearing! Luckily a career as a Dispensing Optician turned out to be a perfect fit for me as I can utilise my creative side and interest in fashion as well as my scientific and technical abilities.
After qualifying, my first position was in Holloway followed by several years in West Byfleet where I developed my interest in Low Vision. After leaving West Byfleet I joined Rawlings in 2013 - I was attracted to the family feel to the company and the fact the most staff had been with the company for many many years. I began by working between the 3 Surrey practices and then became Manager of the Croydon branch in 2015.
Outside of work I enjoy keeping fit and currently I am training to take part in Tough Mudder, a very intense obstacle course - I like to be challenged and to achieve goals that I think may not be possible.
After qualifying, my first position was in Holloway followed by several years in West Byfleet where I developed my interest in Low Vision. After leaving West Byfleet I joined Rawlings in 2013 - I was attracted to the family feel to the company and the fact the most staff had been with the company for many many years. I began by working between the 3 Surrey practices and then became Manager of the Croydon branch in 2015.
Outside of work I enjoy keeping fit and currently I am training to take part in Tough Mudder, a very intense obstacle course - I like to be challenged and to achieve goals that I think may not be possible.
Optometrists / Contact Lens Opticians / Audiologists
David Barker
BSc MCOptom DipTp (IP) Prof Cert Med Ret, Prof Cert Glauc
Being an optometrist must be in my blood as four other members of my family have worked in the industry. My mum worked at Rawlings Opticians and I had my first eye test at downstairs in Rawlings Croydon branch when I was 11. As a young child I always loved playing with the buttons in the consulting room when I was off from school. I guess I still like playing with the buttons now but there are now just a lot more!
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After graduating from Aston University I worked for a few years in Kent but 20 years ago I returned to my optometric starting point and have been at Rawlings ever since. I have always been interested in contact lenses and have done several trials on new products for manufacturers. I am an active member of our local optometric committee in Croydon which has been instrumental in setting up local shared care service which allows me to treat and help patients referred from local GPs. Due to this I decided to take the plunge and go back to studying to become one of the few optometry independent prescribers in the country which allows me to treat manage and treat many more conditions than I dreamed possible when I started.
Outside of work I try to play golf when time allows and probably spend far too much time following the trials and tribulations of Crystal Palace FC.
After graduating from Aston University I worked for a few years in Kent but 20 years ago I returned to my optometric starting point and have been at Rawlings ever since. I have always been interested in contact lenses and have done several trials on new products for manufacturers. I am an active member of our local optometric committee in Croydon which has been instrumental in setting up local shared care service which allows me to treat and help patients referred from local GPs. Due to this I decided to take the plunge and go back to studying to become one of the few optometry independent prescribers in the country which allows me to treat manage and treat many more conditions than I dreamed possible when I started.
Outside of work I try to play golf when time allows and probably spend far too much time following the trials and tribulations of Crystal Palace FC.
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”.
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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.
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
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.
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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.
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.
Francesca Hale
BSc MCOptom
My journey into Optometry began when I started wearing glasses from age two due to an unfortunate tendency to walk into objects I couldn’t see! As time passed I felt a strong urgency to utilise my own experiences alongside an appreciation of the frustration that may lie with an impairment of this vital sense. As a result I wanted nothing more than to share the gift of sight with others!
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I moved to England from Northern Ireland to study at City University in order to gain insight and perspective from people of all walks of life. I am always in awe of the number of patients who will divulge their own personal ties to the Emerald Isle and share a laugh about the apparent Irish charm. Moving countries at a young age and living in a vibrant melting pot such as London has moulded not only the person I am but the clinician I aspire to be. I have an affinity for understanding not only the impact of physical manifestations of ocular conditions but also the emotional.
I joined Rawlings to work alongside like minded individuals with specialised accreditations in Optometry to provide tailored and high quality care for a range of ocular conditions at any age range. From my experience so far it has surpassed these expectations!
When not in clinic you can always find me nose deep in a book or at an early morning Pilates class. I am a big fan of rugby (but be warned the World Cup 2023 is still a sore point.)
I moved to England from Northern Ireland to study at City University in order to gain insight and perspective from people of all walks of life. I am always in awe of the number of patients who will divulge their own personal ties to the Emerald Isle and share a laugh about the apparent Irish charm. Moving countries at a young age and living in a vibrant melting pot such as London has moulded not only the person I am but the clinician I aspire to be. I have an affinity for understanding not only the impact of physical manifestations of ocular conditions but also the emotional.
I joined Rawlings to work alongside like minded individuals with specialised accreditations in Optometry to provide tailored and high quality care for a range of ocular conditions at any age range. From my experience so far it has surpassed these expectations!
When not in clinic you can always find me nose deep in a book or at an early morning Pilates class. I am a big fan of rugby (but be warned the World Cup 2023 is still a sore point.)
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.
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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.
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.
Our dispensing team
Reena Patel FBDO (Manager)Ariane Rodney-Mondesir FBDO
Ana Lordache
Simon Kelly
Nearest car park
Surrey Street Q-Park is the closest around 5 mins walkCentral Shopping Centre is slightly further away
Whitgift Centre
All are short and long stay and have disabled access
Nearest bus stops & routes
Park Street: 60, 109, 166, 197, 264, 405, 407, 455, 466Nearest train stations
Tram stop George StreetTrain station East or West Croydon
Nearest AED/Defibrillator
Nuffield Health Croydon Central Fitness & Wellbeing Gym 44 Surry Street CR0 1RJ. Defibrillator is at reception.Disabled access
Good, both consulting rooms and dispensing area all on the same levelMap
Out of hours eyecare for customers of the Croydon 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.
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