Dawson Opticians Birtley

11/08/2026

This Wednesday there will be a significant solar eclipse in our region, it is very easy to suffer permanent sight damage during these events. Here is some advice on making sure this is a fun but safe experience.

If you want to use eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers, make sure they are genuine eclipse glasses with specially designed filters that meet the international safety standard ISO 12312-2:2015(E).
Be cautious of products sold online that may not meet this requirement. If you're unsure whether a product is certified, don't use it. Don't use eclipse glasses if the lenses are scratched, torn or damaged.

Alternatively, you can watch the eclipse indirectly without any specialist equipment at all. Safe options include:

-a pinhole viewer, which you can easily make at home.
-viewing the Sun's image projected through a colander or the gaps between tree leaves.
-projecting the Sun's image onto a sheet of paper using a simple pinhole projector.

28/07/2026

Uncorrected vision problems in children cause lower academic grades, reading delays, and higher rates of anxiety or depression. Fixing these refractive errors with proper glasses improves test scores, reading fluency, and overall classroom behavior. The school holidays are a great time to make sure your child’s eyesight is up to scratch. Even if you’ve not been to us before we can still test your child’s eyes . Call 0191 4920474 to make an appointment.

01/06/2026

To celebrate the end of National Myopia Awareness Week. We are running a promotion on our myopia management lenses - those that can reduce the rate of myopia progression by up to 60% in children.

05/05/2026

New ray ban ophthalmic frames now available in store . Why not treat yourself to this iconic and timeless brand !

11/04/2026

For the first time in our area, Dementia UK is offering free, confidential clinic appointments with a dementia nurse known as an Admiral nurse.
These can be booked via www.dementiauk.org/nationwide. If you are living with someone with dementia or would like more information please do contact them to arrange a free appointment.

Find out how Nationwide Building Society is partnering with Dementia UK to offer free dementia clinics for expert support and tailored guidance.

29/12/2025

Phone line issues are now resolved . Thanks for your patience.

29/12/2025

Unfortunately we are having some issues with our phones today. If you need to get in touch please drop a message here and we’ll get back to you asap. Apologies for the inconvenience.

24/12/2025

We’d like to wish all our lovely patients a merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We look forward to seeing you all in 2026 🤓

19/12/2025

Please find below our Christmas opening hours

Monday 22/12/25 9.00-5.00
Tuesday 23/12/25 9.00-5.00
Wednesday 24/12/25 Closed
Thursday 25/12/25 Closed
Friday 26/12/25 Closed
Saturday 27/12/25 Closed
Sunday 28/12/25 Closed
Monday 29/12/25 9.00-5.00
Tuesday 30/12/25 9.00-5.00
Wednesday 31/12/25 Closed Sunday
Thursday 01/01/26 Closed
Friday 02/01/26 9.00-5.00

16/12/2025

Exciting News

We are thrilled to announce that in the last month Riverside Opticians has officially taken over the practice here in Birtley.

New owners Kevin and Morven are both optometrists with 20 plus years in the industry and currently run Riverside Opticians practice in Chester Le Street(www.riversideopticians.co.uk)

We are committed to providing you with the same high-quality eye care you've come to expect from a family run business . All your records are safe, and we look forward to seeing you for your next appointment.