Rae & Rae Opticians

Rae & Rae Opticians A national award-winning, family-owned, independent opticians situated in the heart of York’s fame

A service that'll make you smile, a stylish, boutique shopping destination you'll love to visit, a collection of beautiful eyewear you'll enjoy trying on, and — most importantly — a level of expertise that'll assure you you're in the safest of hands. Services include:

• Private and NHS eye exams
• Children’s eye exams
• Designer and independent eyewear
• Contact lens fits, subscriptions and aftercare
• Eyewear consultations
• Prescription and non-prescription sunglasses
• Hearcare clinics through The Hearing Care Partnership

Drop by for a chat, a coffee (perhaps a glass of bubbly if it’s Friday!) and let’s talk all things eyecare and eyewear.

Christmas window: completed it 🎄✨We may have slightly lost track of time… because Tracey (Mum / co-owner / chief festive...
22/12/2025

Christmas window: completed it 🎄✨

We may have slightly lost track of time… because Tracey (Mum / co-owner / chief festive elf) and I spent an entire day turning our shop window into a hand-drawn Christmas masterpiece ✍️🎅🏻

Every bauble, swirl and snowflake was drawn by us – no stickers, no shortcuts and yes, we’ve included photos to prove it 👀🎥

Even baby Rufus stopped by to supervise (and add morale support 🍼😂).

If you’re walking past, come and have a proper look - it’s bright, colourful and VERY Christmassy 🎄🌈

Huge festive love from our little independent, family-run opticians 💛

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yorkindependent shoplocalyork independentyork yorkindependentlife onlyinyork visityork loveyork lovelocal yorkindie optician optometrist opticians opticianlife shoplocal supportsmallbusiness

Just a little festive heads-up to share our Christmas opening hours 🎄🎅🏻We’ll be open this week, then popping off for a s...
18/12/2025

Just a little festive heads-up to share our Christmas opening hours 🎄🎅🏻

We’ll be open this week, then popping off for a short break to soak up some Christmas cheer with our families.

And please, do us a favour… go easy on the champagne corks and party poppers over the holidays! 🍾🎉

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independentoptometrist indieyork yorkindependent shoplocalyork independentyork yorkindependentlife onlyinyork visityork loveyork lovelocal yorkindie optician optometrist opticians opticianlife shoplocal supportsmallbusiness

Look who popped in for some new specs! It’s none other than Rupert from the incredible  - York’s very own folk-rock lege...
11/11/2025

Look who popped in for some new specs! It’s none other than Rupert from the incredible - York’s very own folk-rock legends (and yes, the band that played at our wedding 💃🕺).

Rupert’s now seeing the world through a seriously suave pair of Cutler and Gross frames. A true classic in the optical world 👓

Pop in to the practice to view our selection of the fabulous frames. We can’t promise they’ll make you play the violin like Rupert… but they’ll definitely help you look good doing it 😉

Have a great week folks 🫶

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Be bold. ⁠⁠Be confident. ⁠⁠Be yourself. ⁠⁠Ready for a restyle?⁠⁠Book in for an Eyewear Consultation with our somewhat le...
03/11/2025

Be bold. ⁠

Be confident. ⁠

Be yourself. ⁠

Ready for a restyle?⁠

Book in for an Eyewear Consultation with our somewhat legendary Dispensing Opticians, to explore our fantastic range of frames.⁠

We strive to stock smaller, independent brands, championing British eyewear and brands with strong eco-credentials or ethics, most of which you won’t find anywhere else in York! ⁠

We love it when our patients fall in love with a brand they ordinarily wouldn’t have ever heard of, so pop down to the store and explore our truly exclusive collection of frames. There’s something for everyone!⁠

And have a fab week!⁠

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The ghouls have been busy at  again… 🕷️👻Our window’s looking frightfully good this week! 🎃Swing by for a peek, we promis...
29/10/2025

The ghouls have been busy at again… 🕷️👻

Our window’s looking frightfully good this week! 🎃
Swing by for a peek, we promise it’s more treats than tricks! 👀🍬

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 … Halloween edition! 🎃👻🤡 If you are considering wearing novelty contact lenses this Halloween, you will not be alone. I...
17/10/2025

… Halloween edition! 🎃👻🤡

If you are considering wearing novelty contact lenses this Halloween, you will not be alone. In a recent survey almost 60% of respondents who were dressing up for Halloween said they would.

However, the same research showed that only 22% of people would buy novelty lenses from an optometrist, despite it being illegal to sell zero powered contact lenses in the UK without the supervision of an optometrist, dispensing optician or doctor.

If you really want to wear novelty lenses this Halloween ideally speak to your optometrist first, but here’s some advice for those intending to wear them:

🎃 Lenses that are not properly fitted, or from unreputable sources, may increase the risk of contact lens-related complications such as scratching your eye or causing an infection. Contact lenses should be dispensed and fitted by a qualified professional who can give you the appropriate advice on how to wear and use them safely

🎃 If you are re-wearing contact lenses of any sort make sure they are suitable for this purpose and within the re-use period. Clean and disinfect them thoroughly after use with the recommended contact lens solution. Never use tap water, the wrong solution, or lick them – and if they drop on the floor don’t simply pop them back in

🎃 Never use contact lenses after their expiry date

🎃 Do not share contact lenses with friends (even quickly trying them on can lead to eye infections)

🎃 Do not drive with novelty lenses in. If the aperture does not align with your pupil they may impair your vision

If you experience any eye discomfort while or after wearing any type of contact lens contact your optometrist without delay.

We sincerely hope everyone enjoys Halloween, but not at the expense of their vision!

✌🏻

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In honor of  , here is your friendly reminder to  . (And of course, we also took the chance to show off all your lovely ...
09/10/2025

In honor of , here is your friendly reminder to .

(And of course, we also took the chance to show off all your lovely faces 😎🤓)

Question: when did you last have your eyes tested?⁠

When you look at your eye, you see an eye.⁠

But when an optometrist looks in your eye, they can potentially spot various non-eye related diseases.⁠

When you have an eye test with , we aren’t just checking your eyesight.⁠

We’re also looking for early signs of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and cancer! And early detection obviously reduces the risk to your sight and general health.⁠

We recommend most people should get their eyes tested at least once every two years (and in some cases more often).⁠

So if you think you’re due an eye test, give us a ring or pop down to the store.⁠

Gotta look after those peepers people!! 👀

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We are always so pleased when we hear that our patients have had a positive experience , and as a small,   your reviews ...
30/09/2025

We are always so pleased when we hear that our patients have had a positive experience , and as a small, your reviews mean everything to us.

They literally could be the difference between someone choosing us instead of a big, ugly, soulless (we’re not biased!) chain store.

If you have had a particularly positive experience with us, why not take 5 minutes to leave us a nice Google or Facebook review!? We assure you, we read every single one. They make us feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Here’s a bit of inspiration, or head over to Google to check out our 5* rating and more nice things people have said about us!

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Happy Friday, folks! ⁠⁠Struggling to read the bottom line of this image?⁠⁠So am I, to be fair. Probably because it’s on ...
12/09/2025

Happy Friday, folks! ⁠

Struggling to read the bottom line of this image?⁠

So am I, to be fair. Probably because it’s on a tiny mobile screen… ⁠

In all seriousness, though, if you have noticed a change in your or have any concerns about your , please do call your local optician for advice.⁠

You should get your eyes tested at least once every two years, and in some cases more often.⁠

If you are due an eye test, please do not hesitate to give us a call, book yourself in online, or drop by the store on .⁠

I think it says discotheque…. 🤔⁠

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Say hello to the most joyful specs we’ve ever clapped eyes on 😍 Our lovely patient (and fully-fledged style icon), just ...
05/09/2025

Say hello to the most joyful specs we’ve ever clapped eyes on 😍

Our lovely patient (and fully-fledged style icon), just picked up her brand new Feb 31st frames and honestly, we’re obsessed! 🌈

Made from 13 layers of sustainable wood (yes, wood🌳), handcrafted in Italy 🇮🇹 and as colourful as a bag of pick ’n’ mix, these beauties are giving us all the vibes 😍🌈🍬

Have a fabulous weekend folks ✌🏻

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Remember to add an eye exam to your back to school checklist!👓🕶⁠
31/08/2025

Remember to add an eye exam to your back to school checklist!

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Sorry we’ve been a little quiet on here lately… we’ve been adjusting our focus 👓👶💛Meet the newest (and cutest) member of...
27/08/2025

Sorry we’ve been a little quiet on here lately… we’ve been adjusting our focus 👓👶💛

Meet the newest (and cutest) member of the Rae and Rae team – Rufus Gray Stockton – born earlier this summer and already keeping a close eye on everything we do 💛

He may not be dispensing specs just yet, but he is a pro at power napping and melting hearts!

Thanks so much for your patience while we’ve been soaking up these precious (and slightly blurry) early days. We’re slowly finding our feet again – and our glasses – and can’t wait to see you all soon!

Love,
Team Rae and Rae x

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Address

33 Bishopthorpe Road
York
YO231NA

Opening Hours

Tuesday 8am - 6pm
Wednesday 8am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 7pm
Friday 8am - 6pm
Saturday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+441904611553

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