Rawlings Opticians
About Rawlings Opticians
Rawlings Opticians is a long-established independent chain based in South East England, known for its community-focused approach and dedicated patient care. With around ten practices, they offer a more personal alternative to the larger chains, combining traditional optometry values with modern diagnostic equipment. Rawlings has built a loyal patient base through consistently high standards of clinical care and customer service.
Rawlings Opticians was founded in 1898, making it one of the oldest optical practices still operating in the United Kingdom. The business began as a single practice in the South East of England at a time when optometry was still a relatively young profession, and spectacles were only beginning to become widely available to the general public. From the outset, the Rawlings name became associated with careful, unhurried patient care and a deep commitment to clinical standards — values that have remained at the heart of the business for over 125 years.
Throughout the twentieth century, Rawlings expanded gradually, opening additional practices across Kent, Sussex, and South London. Unlike many optical businesses that pursued aggressive national expansion, Rawlings chose to grow slowly and organically, ensuring that each new practice maintained the same standards of care that had defined the original. This measured approach to growth meant that Rawlings practices developed strong roots in their local communities, with many patients returning for decades and bringing successive generations of their families.
Today, Rawlings operates approximately ten practices across the South East of England. The business has invested in modern clinical technology, including OCT scanning and digital retinal photography, while preserving the longer appointment times and personal attention that distinguish it from the high-volume national chains. Rawlings remains an independent group, and its optometrists take pride in knowing their patients by name and maintaining detailed records that allow genuine continuity of care from one appointment to the next. In an era of corporate consolidation in the optical industry, Rawlings represents an increasingly rare example of a truly independent, heritage opticians group.
Quick Facts
- Founded
- 1898
- UK Stores
- 10
- Price Range
- Free NHS / From £30 private
- NHS Eye Tests
- Yes
- Services Offered
- 7
- Locations Listed
- 10
- Avg. Eye Test
- 30-35 minutes
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Rawlings Eye Test Locations Across the UK
Find your nearest Rawlings and book an eye test. We list Rawlings locations in 2 regions across the United Kingdom.
RawlingsServices & Pricing
A full breakdown of eye care services available at Rawlings Opticians, including prices, duration, and NHS coverage information.
| Service | Description | Price | Duration | NHS Covered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NHS Eye Test | A comprehensive NHS-funded eye examination for eligible patients. Rawlings optometrists provide a thorough assessment including visual acuity, refraction, eye pressure measurement, and a detailed examination of the health of your eyes. The longer appointment times at Rawlings mean that even NHS tests are unhurried and thorough. | Free (if eligible) | 25-30 minutes | |
| Private Eye Test | A detailed private eye examination for patients not eligible for NHS funding. The test includes a comprehensive refraction, binocular vision assessment, eye health examination, and a discussion of your visual needs. Rawlings' private tests benefit from longer appointment slots, allowing the optometrist to take extra time with each patient. | From £30 | 30-35 minutes | |
| Enhanced Eye Examination with OCT | A premium eye examination incorporating OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) scanning to provide a detailed view of the layers of the retina and optic nerve head. This scan can detect early signs of glaucoma, macular degeneration, and other conditions before they cause noticeable symptoms. Rawlings recommends this test as a baseline for all patients over 25. | From £55 | 35-40 minutes | |
| Contact Lens Fitting | A specialist appointment for patients wanting to start wearing contact lenses or switch to a different type. The fitting includes corneal topography, tear film assessment, and a trial lens fitting. Rawlings optometrists take the time to ensure you are fully comfortable with lens insertion and removal before leaving the practice. | From £40 | 35-45 minutes | |
| Children's Eye Test | A gentle, child-friendly eye examination using age-appropriate techniques. Rawlings optometrists are experienced with children of all ages and create a relaxed environment to help young patients feel at ease. The test checks for common childhood vision issues including amblyopia (lazy eye), squint, and refractive errors. All children under 16 receive a free NHS-funded test. | Free (NHS funded) | 25-30 minutes | |
| Diabetic Eye Examination | A specialist examination for patients with diabetes, using digital retinal photography and OCT scanning to examine the blood vessels at the back of the eye. Rawlings recommends this annually for all diabetic patients to monitor for signs of diabetic retinopathy, which can be treated effectively if caught early. | From £40 | 25-30 minutes |
NHS Eye Test
NHSA comprehensive NHS-funded eye examination for eligible patients. Rawlings optometrists provide a thorough assessment including visual acuity, refraction, eye pressure measurement, and a detailed examination of the health of your eyes. The longer appointment times at Rawlings mean that even NHS tests are unhurried and thorough.
Private Eye Test
A detailed private eye examination for patients not eligible for NHS funding. The test includes a comprehensive refraction, binocular vision assessment, eye health examination, and a discussion of your visual needs. Rawlings' private tests benefit from longer appointment slots, allowing the optometrist to take extra time with each patient.
Enhanced Eye Examination with OCT
A premium eye examination incorporating OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) scanning to provide a detailed view of the layers of the retina and optic nerve head. This scan can detect early signs of glaucoma, macular degeneration, and other conditions before they cause noticeable symptoms. Rawlings recommends this test as a baseline for all patients over 25.
Contact Lens Fitting
A specialist appointment for patients wanting to start wearing contact lenses or switch to a different type. The fitting includes corneal topography, tear film assessment, and a trial lens fitting. Rawlings optometrists take the time to ensure you are fully comfortable with lens insertion and removal before leaving the practice.
Children's Eye Test
NHSA gentle, child-friendly eye examination using age-appropriate techniques. Rawlings optometrists are experienced with children of all ages and create a relaxed environment to help young patients feel at ease. The test checks for common childhood vision issues including amblyopia (lazy eye), squint, and refractive errors. All children under 16 receive a free NHS-funded test.
Diabetic Eye Examination
A specialist examination for patients with diabetes, using digital retinal photography and OCT scanning to examine the blood vessels at the back of the eye. Rawlings recommends this annually for all diabetic patients to monitor for signs of diabetic retinopathy, which can be treated effectively if caught early.
RawlingsPros & Cons
An honest look at the advantages and disadvantages of choosing Rawlings Opticians for your eye care.
Advantages
- Over 125 years of heritage and a strong reputation for clinical excellence
- Longer appointment times than chain opticians allow for genuinely thorough examinations
- Community-focused independent practices where staff know patients by name
- Modern diagnostic technology including OCT scanning in a traditional, personal setting
Considerations
- Very limited geographic coverage — only available in parts of South East England
- Smaller frame selection than the large national chains
- Fewer appointment slots available due to longer appointment durations
How to Book an Eye Test at Rawlings
Follow these simple steps to book your next eye test with Rawlings Opticians.
Search for your nearest Rawlings practice by entering your postcode on eyetest.co.uk
Compare available appointments and services at nearby Rawlings branches
Select your preferred eye test type, date, and time from available slots
Enter your personal details and any relevant medical information
Receive an email confirmation with your appointment details and practice directions
Attend your appointment — Rawlings practices have a relaxed atmosphere, so there is no need to rush
Why Choose Rawlings?
Independent, community-focused practices in South East England
Personal service with longer appointment times than larger chains
Modern diagnostic technology including OCT retinal scanning
Strong patient loyalty with a focus on continuity of care
NHS Eye Tests at Rawlings
Rawlings Opticiansoffers free NHS-funded eye tests for eligible patients. You may qualify if you're under 16, over 60, on certain benefits, or have specific medical conditions. Check eligibility and book through eyetest.co.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rawlings
Common questions about eye tests, services, and booking at Rawlings Opticians.
How old is Rawlings Opticians?
Rawlings Opticians was founded in 1898, making it one of the oldest optical practices still operating in the UK. The business has been providing eye care for over 125 years, spanning the entire modern history of optometry in Britain. This heritage is a source of considerable pride for the company, and long-standing patient relationships — sometimes spanning three or four generations of the same family — are a hallmark of the Rawlings experience.
Where are Rawlings Opticians located?
Rawlings operates approximately ten practices across South East England, concentrated in Kent, Sussex, Surrey, and South London. Specific locations include Bromley, Croydon, Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells, Crawley, Chichester, Worthing, Canterbury, and Brighton. They do not have branches outside the South East of England.
Is Rawlings an independent opticians?
Yes, Rawlings is an independent opticians group. Unlike the large national chains that are owned by multinational corporations, Rawlings operates as a standalone business. This independence allows them to make decisions based on what is best for their patients rather than corporate targets, and to curate their own selection of frames and lenses. Their independent status is a key part of their identity and appeal.
Do Rawlings appointments take longer than other opticians?
Yes, Rawlings is known for allocating longer appointment times than most chain opticians. A standard eye test at Rawlings typically takes 25 to 35 minutes, compared to 20 to 25 minutes at most chains. This extra time allows the optometrist to carry out a more thorough examination and to discuss findings and recommendations in greater detail. Many patients who have moved to Rawlings from chain opticians specifically cite the longer appointments as a reason for switching.
Does Rawlings offer OCT scanning?
Yes, Rawlings offers OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) scanning at their practices. This advanced imaging technology produces detailed cross-section images of the retina, allowing early detection of conditions such as glaucoma and macular degeneration. The OCT scan is available as part of the enhanced eye examination and is recommended as a baseline for patients over 25.
Can I get an NHS eye test at Rawlings?
Yes, Rawlings provides free NHS-funded eye tests for all eligible patients. Eligibility includes children under 16, adults over 60, people on qualifying benefits, and those with certain medical conditions. Even within the NHS-funded test, Rawlings optometrists provide a thorough and unhurried examination. If you would like additional screening such as OCT, this can be added for an extra fee.
Find a Rawlings Near You
Enter your postcode to check availability and book an eye test at your nearest Rawlings store.
Find a Rawlings Opticians Near YouVisit Rawlings Opticians directly: www.rawlings.co.uk