Newsletter – Spring/Summer 2023

  • Frames for the future...

    Our passion for eyewear is evident in our branches as we continually seek out new manufacturers with values like ours.

    We are interested in unique and intriguing brands with compelling backstories, but they must also be dependable and well-crafted. We strive to offer something for everyone, regardless of colour, size, or cost.

    One of the best places to go to find all of this is the UK’s largest optical trade fair – 100% Optical in London. Recently, a group of our staff members attended the fair, which took place in late February. The event showcased a variety of frames, including those made from recycled fishing nets, unbreakable children's frames, and frames with positive quotes on the inside. We were impressed by the diverse range of colours and shapes, with one Australian brand even displaying heart-shaped frames.

    We invite you to stop by your local branch to see if we have anything that catches your eye. As a member of the Rawlings Vision Plan, you can receive up to 25% off frames and 40% off lenses.


  • Treat yourself now, pay later...

    As the cost of living continues to rise, making big purchases can be a source of stress. But worry not, as you no longer need to compromise by purchasing from other sources or fret about affording your new glasses. We have a solution that can help!

    With our new payment plan, you can spread the cost of your new glasses over ten easy, interest-free instalments. Additionally, you can combine this payment plan with the Rawlings Vision Plan Plus to save even more money.

    You no longer must put off treating yourself to that colourful pair of glasses or purchasing an extra pair for work. Whatever the excuse may be, you now have no reason not to indulge. Our plan entails paying an initial deposit of 40%*, followed by spreading the remaining balance over several months of your choice, up to a maximum of ten months. You won't encounter any arrangement fees or hidden costs.

    The repayment process is simple and interest-free, with automatic deductions through direct debit, enabling you to enjoy your new glasses right away!

    *Minimum spend applies of £200


  • The Rawlings family has expanded...

    We are excited to introduce you to our newly adopted Bookham practice, which was formerly known as Donner Optometrists.

    With 50 years of experience in caring for the eye health of residents in Bookham, Effingham, Fetcham, and Leatherhead areas, the practice is well established and respected in the community.

    Like Rawlings, the practice has a family heritage and was initially started by the Donner family through two generations before becoming part of Rawlings. We were delighted when David Donner approached us to take over, as we share the same ethos and passion for independent optics.

    Our team of Optometrists, Helen Roberts and Maria Dovey, provide the most thorough and careful eye examination possible. Maria is also qualified in glaucoma monitoring and offers specialized care for those at higher risk. After your examination, you will meet one of our dispensing team members, including our Practice Manager Katherine, Jade, or Ant, who will assist you in choosing the best frame and lens combination for your individual visual demands.

    We also provide assistance with contact lenses, as our Optometrists are experienced in contact lens care and can find the correct fit and prescription for you. We are pleased to announce that we have a new addition to our team, Jessica Tovey, who is our Audiologist. With her training in South Africa and experience in both hospital and private practice settings, she is the perfect person to check your hearing!

    If you would like to learn more about our Bookham branch and our team, please click here or visit us Monday to Saturday. You can find our opening hours and location on our website, where you can also book an appointment.

  • Have you heard?

    As of the start of this year, our team of audiologists, including Bill, Jessica, and Laleh, are providing hearing appointments, wax removal services, and a variety of hearing devices from leading brands such as Widex, Signia, and Phonak in Hampshire and Surrey.

    In light of World Health Organisation's World Hearing Day on March 3rd, their goal this year is to increase accessibility of hearing services in primary care to better serve the community. The response has been remarkable, with high demand for our services, and we are pleased to support the WHO's objective. Early use of hearing devices has been shown to slow the progression of hearing loss, which can contribute to the development or progression of dementia, as well as social isolation and depression.

    Studies have also revealed a reduction in depression within three months of using hearing devices. Our website offers an online hearing test that provides a preliminary indication of hearing loss. You may schedule a free consultation with one of our audiologists if you have concerns or if your test results indicate hearing loss. If you have excessive ear wax, we may perform micro-suction after a short course of ear drops to soften the wax. We also offer earplugs for swimming, shooting, and sleep, among other popular services.

    Our hearing devices come with a five-year warranty and either a rechargeable battery or two years' worth of batteries. Furthermore, we're excited to provide 0% interest-free payment options for all price ranges, with up to three years to pay.

    Feel free to contact us for further information or simply book online.

  • Celebrate the good times!

    Rawlings Opticians & Hearing Care is marking 90 years of service to the local community in Purley this summer. The town holds a special significance for the Rawling's family as Alfred Rawling's mother worked as the Matron at the well-known Reedham Orphanage in Purley.

    In 1933, the Purley branch opened on High Street after the successful launch of three previous branches in Croydon, Maidstone, and Winchester. The Ipswich branch was also established in the same year. The Purley branch moved to its current location on Brighton Road in 1946 and during the move, a consulting room was built using packing crates due to a shortage of wood after World War II.

    The Rawling's family has managed the Purley branch for three generations, starting with Alfred's son, Edgar, followed by his son John, and currently, Richard Rawling serves as the Managing Director. Dawn, who has been with the Rawlings for over 40 years, is the longest-standing member of staff. The Purley team also comprises Matt Malone, the Branch Manager, Optometrists, dispensing opticians, and audiologists, while Dawn and Helen provide additional support and welcome patients to the practice.

    Rawlings Opticians & Hearing Care, the oldest family-owned optician in England, takes pride in its heritage, which is an integral part of its identity. The practice has recently been awarded a Gold Investors in People Award for its commitment to creating a positive work environment and helping staff reach their potential.

    To celebrate the anniversary, Rawlings Opticians & Hearing Care in Purley will be open on 15th July. Visitors can enjoy drinks, cakes, and receive goody bags with great gifts. There will also be a raffle with prizes, including Tom Ford and Moscot sunglasses, with all proceeds going to the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust. Everyone is welcome to attend Rawlings Opticians & Hearing Care's celebratory open day from 1 pm.

  • Feedback competition winners!

    We started trading in 1895 and celebrated our 125th year in 2021. With the small budget that comes with being independent, we choose to spend it on employing high quality staff and investing in new technology rather than expensive advertising campaigns, so we rely on personal recommendations and individual reviews to grow our business.

    We have had three winners of our feedback competition this year to thank them for supporting an independent business by coming to Rawlings Opticians. Congratulations to our winners for the last two quarters, Miss Elyssa Sayer (Hedge End), Mrs Alexa Bisson (Bookham) and Mrs Sonya Bennet (Chandlers Ford). If you would like to be in the chance of winning back the cost of your glasses, contact lenses of eye care up to the cost of £250, then just spend a few short minutes filling in a review by clicking this link - https://g.page/r/CVjGge-ky6r7EAg/review.

    For more chances to win please feel free to review us on Facebook

    Or tag us on Instagram - @rawlingsoptic