DO-run practice celebrates centenary

The practice’s trademark eye sign can be seen in this old photo

Dispensing optician (DO) run and owned practice AJ Rawling Opticians recently celebrated its 100th anniversary – and the 30th year of DO Emma Smith being at the practice.

Emma joined the practice as a Saturday assistant after her A-levels, trained on day release to gain her ABDO qualification, and now runs the practice alongside business partner Catherine Sims.

Based in Ipswich, Suffolk, AJ Rawling Opticians in Northgate Street was originally founded by Alfred John Rawling in 1923, expanding the optical businesses he already had in Croydon, Maidstone and Winchester.

“Opening a business in the 1920s during the post-war depression meant the practice struggled to succeed, and Alfred eventually signed the business over to a young optician who worked there, Kemble Williams, for nothing, in the hope that he could make a go of it,” explained Catherine.

Williams kept the original name and turned the business around as the UK came out of its period of economic downturn. He managed Rawlings for many years until his retirement, when Christopher Sims – Catherine’s’ father – took over. The practice was originally situated at 18 Butter Market and moved to Northgate Street in November 1970, where it remains today 53 years later.

“Many of our patients still remember our original Butter Market practice and the distinctive eye sign that hung outside,” says Catherine, who took over from her father in 2004.

DO Emma Smith started as a Saturday assistant

Catherine and Emma have been friends since they were 12 – and put their success at running the business together for so many years in part down to their strong friendship and willingness to support each other.

“After 30 years as a DO, and then DO practice manager, Emma still retains the same enthusiasm for the role,” says Catherine. “She is naturally a ‘people’s person’ and many patients specifically request to see her year after year, knowing that her knowledge and experience, attention to detail and style will result in a great pair of new glasses for them.”

The business partners believe the practice has also survived so long due to its loyal patients, many of whom have been attending for generations.

“Celebrating out centenary in 2023 was a fantastic boost for the team here after a difficult few years,” Catherine admits. “To also be shortlisted as Independent Practice of the Year by SightCare in the same year was really the icing on the cake.

“Our hope is to continue looking after the eye health of the people of Ipswich and the surrounding area. We both love our jobs, love the practice and hope to be here for many years to come,” she added.