This September marked a very special milestone for Rawlings Opticians & Hearing Care: our 130th anniversary. We all gathered for a glamorous dinner with partners, where colleagues from all twelve branches could meet, mingle, and celebrate in style. After the disappointment of our cancelled 125th anniversary party in 2020 (thanks to Covid), this long-awaited evening brought together past and present staff alongside key figures from the optical industry, making it an occasion to remember.
On 18th September 1895, Alfred John Rawling opened a modest shop in Croydon. His first day’s takings? Six shillings – the equivalent of just 30p today.
From those humble beginnings, Alfred soon discovered his true passion for vision, qualifying as one of the first opticians in the country by examination in 1904. His diploma still hangs proudly in our Croydon practice.
Since then, Rawlings has grown into one of the UK’s longest-established independent opticians. Four generations of the Rawling family have steered the business through two World Wars, the founding of the NHS, and the extraordinary advances in optical technology that followed. From projecting an eye lantern in Winchester that once startled passing horses to introducing state-of-the-art OCT imaging today, innovation has always been part of our story.
In recent years, the addition of Hearing Care has brought a new dimension to what we offer. With twelve practices across Surrey and Hampshire – including our newest in Banstead – we continue Alfred’s vision of combining clinical expertise with a personal, boutique approach.
From one small Croydon shop to a thriving group in 2025, Rawlings’ story is one of family, care, and dedication to our two most precious senses: sight and hearing.
Rawlings Expands to Banstead
We are delighted to share that Rawlings Opticians & Hearing Care has expanded with the addition of a new branch in Banstead, following our takeover of Banstead Eyecare in August 2025.
Our Banstead practice, located on the High Street, reflects everything Rawlings stands for: independent, patient-centred care with the latest technology delivered in a calm, boutique environment. The branch offers the full range of optical and audiology services, including advanced eye examinations with OCT imaging, bespoke spectacle and contact lens fittings, and specialist support for children’s vision and dry eye. Hearing care is also an integral part of the practice, with complementary hearing assessments, wax removal, and the latest discreet hearing aid solutions.
Sue from Banstead Eyecare has been warmly welcomed into the Rawlings family and will be supported by our heritage of over 130 years in independent practice. This expansion strengthens our presence in Surrey, providing patients with even more choice and convenience when accessing our services across the region.
As with all Rawlings practices, you can expect the same high standards of professional care, stylish frame collections, and individual attention that have long defined our reputation. Whether visiting Banstead or any of our other branches, you can be confident that your eye and hearing health remain at the heart of everything we do.
We look forward to welcoming you soon—at Banstead or our other 11 branches.
We’re excited to unveil our fully redesigned website, featuring a modern and intuitive layout with effortless navigation. Explore our full range of services and luxury eyewear collections, including Cartier and other premium brands, with ease.
Booking appointments is now more streamlined. Whether it’s an eye exam, hearing assessment, or follow-up visit, our online system lets you schedule in just a few clicks, saving time while ensuring your care remains personalised.
Our blog offers expert advice and practical insights on vision and hearing care. From reducing glare during winter driving to the latest advances in hearing solutions, it’s a valuable resource for staying informed and proactive in your self-care.
For those interested in our heritage or sustainability initiatives—or simply wanting to get to know the people behind your care—the site includes detailed branch information and staff biographies, giving you a deeper connection with your eye and hearing care professionals.
The new website is clear, accessible, and designed with your convenience in mind. Explore, read, and book with confidence.
Good hearing is every bit as important as good vision when it comes to enjoying everyday life – and sometimes the smallest of things can make the biggest difference. Earwax plays a vital role in protecting and lubricating the ear canal; however, for many people, it can accumulate and cause blocked ears, muffled hearing, or even discomfort.
At Rawlings Opticians & Hearing Care, we provide professional earwax removal using microsuction – a safe, gentle and effective technique recommended by audiologists. Unlike cotton buds or home remedies, which can push wax deeper into the ear, microsuction uses a fine suction device under direct vision to remove wax quickly and comfortably.
You might benefit from wax removal if you’ve noticed:
Our audiology team will always begin with a thorough check of your ear health and explain the procedure clearly, so you know exactly what to expect.
If you’ve been struggling with blocked ears or think wax might be affecting your hearing, book an appointment with your nearest Rawlings branch. With our expert care, clearer hearing could be just around the corner.
Wax removal is available at Rawlings for adults or children ages 5 and over – book an appointment online or call us.
As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, now is the perfect time to prepare for the winter months ahead. Just as you might check your car is road-worthy for wet, icy conditions, it’s essential to ensure your eyes – and overall health – are prepared for the season too.
Night driving: Winter means more time on the road after dark. If you’ve noticed glare from oncoming headlights or difficulty seeing clearly at night, it could be time for an eye examination. Rawlings can supply you with specialist lenses and coatings which reduce dazzle and improve contrast, making night driving safer and more comfortable.
Dry eyes: Central heating, log burners, and cold winds can all cause eyes to feel dry, itchy, or gritty. Using lubricating eye drops, taking regular breaks from screens, and keeping hydrated can all help. See our Dry Eye page on the website, or if symptoms persist, book an appointment so we can advise on tailored treatments.
General health: Winter is also a good time to review your overall well-being. The NHS recommends that everyone consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement during the colder months, when sunlight is limited, to help maintain healthy levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D supports healthy bones, muscles and the immune system – and a small daily supplement can make a big difference.
Just as you would service your car before a long journey, taking care of your vision and health ahead of winter ensures you’re prepared for whatever the season brings. If you’d like advice on night-driving glasses, dry eye care, or supplements, we’re here to help.
Last year, we were thrilled to introduce Cartier to our Winchester branch, offering clients the very best in luxury eyewear. Today, we are delighted to announce that Cartier has arrived in Surrey, with our Croydon branch now proudly showcasing this iconic collection.
Both Winchester and Croydon feature carefully selected Cartier ranges, including the elegant Santos de Cartier, the timeless Panthère de Cartier, and the distinctive Signature de Cartier collection. These ranges capture the brand’s legendary craftsmanship, attention to detail, and sophisticated design—hallmarks that have made Cartier a symbol of luxury worldwide.
Visiting either branch allows you to explore these exclusive frames in person, enjoy personalised fittings, and receive expert guidance from our experienced team. Whether selecting your first pair of Cartier eyewear or adding to an existing collection, our service reflects the quality and prestige of the brand.
With our newly redesigned website, exploring Cartier has never been easier. You can browse our collections, learn about our carefully curated ranges, and book your appointment online with ease. It’s the perfect way to experience the elegance and precision of Cartier at Rawlings, where exceptional luxury eyewear meets attentive, personalised care.
Our in-house expert, Kat, based in Winchester, has been delighting our customers with her engaging and imaginative window displays across all our branches in Hampshire & Surrey, which have become a highlight of our high streets. Her talent and creativity are evident in every installation, capturing the attention of people passing by and drawing appreciative comments.
Kat’s designs are always relevant and seasonal, thoughtfully reflecting local events and trends. Highlights include her charming Jane Austen window in Winchester, which celebrated the city’s literary heritage with elegance and flair.
The travelling pups have also been a firm favourite, bringing joy and curiosity wherever they appear. So far, they’ve delighted visitors in Winchester, Purley, and Alresford, adding a playful touch to our branches.
Through her artistry, Kat has added personality, interest, and a sense of celebration to our high streets, transforming our windows into memorable experiences that engage the community and enhance the Rawlings presence.
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.
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© Rawlings Opticians 2025
