He only ‘BLINKin’ did it! Rock to Morocco 2025 🚴‍♂️😎

We love a great adventure at Blink - especially when it’s led by someone as inspiring as Bridge of Allan’s Johnny Dreczkowski MBE!

Johnny completed his epic Rock to Morocco 2025 cycle challenge on 5th June - he pedalled all the way from Stirling Castle to Marrakech in Morocco in just 34 days, solo and unaided, to raise funds for the Eilidh Brown Respite Home. His mission was to support a cause close to his heart and inspire others through determination, compassion and sheer grit - he certainly achieved it!

Blink donated Oakley sunglasses with Nikon Seemax lenses to make sure Johnny was equipped with the best possible eyewear for his adventure. We also sponsored him with a cash donation and we were proud to have our Blink logo on Johnny’s cycling jersey, alongside many other local businesses who backed him on this monumental mission.

Before setting off, Johnny stopped by the practice to show off his kit and pose for a couple of photos. His energy and excitement was contagious - we had a feeling he was about to do something amazing, and he did not disappoint!

A Visit to Blink - and the chance to catch-up with Johnny

When Johnny rolled back into Bridge of Allan, we were lucky enough to welcome him into Blink for a good catch-up which gave us the chance to ask him some questions about his adventure - and how his Oakley sunglasses with Nikon Seemax lenses held up on the road! Here’s what he had to say…

Q1. What was the toughest moment on your journey – and how did you push through?

“On a 4000km journey, solo and unaided, through 7 countries, in 34 days, there were very many ‘tough’ moments as you would imagine.

On Day 19, I cycle the 96 miles or so from the town of Calatayud in Northern Spain to Mandayona. I had been feeling the effects of fatigue, having cycled through the Pyrenees at Le Col Du Pourtalet at over 1900 metres two days previous, then a tough day fighting headwinds the following day from Zaragoza. When I left Calatayud in the early morning, I was already tired, and was immediately confronted with a climb that took me over 2 hrs to climb up to a height of 1360 metres to a plateau above the Mesa Valley, where I was to cycle for the next couple of days. At 1000 metres altitude there is only 87% of the oxygen you are used to at sea level which exacerbated my fatigue and made the last 30 miles or so in the heat to Mandayona difficult, through brutal terrain, 2000 metres of climbing in total and much of that through stiff headwinds.

Experience has taught me in these moments to be calm and patient. As difficult as these moments are, they are ‘moments’ and will pass, so stay as relaxed as you can and see them out, knowing you’ll be off the bike and beginning your recovery in 3 hours or so. I tend to psychologically lean on the sheer amount of work and preparation I had done in the year, indeed years, prior to these moments, and have never failed to get to where I was going or intended to be at the end of the day. Stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline can flood your system when your heavily fatigued, and it would be easy to be overwhelmed, but by psychologically reframing the task ahead and putting these feelings to the side, staying focussed on the road in front of you, your positioning, your breathing, feeling the wind and embracing it positively as just another part of the challenge you were looking for, is the best way to work the problem.”

Q2. What was the highlight of the trip? Any unforgettable views or encounters?

“There were a few moments and epic views on my journey, and I’d find it difficult to single any one out to be honest.

Naturally, to conquer the Pyrenees at Le Col Du Pourtalet was epic with the 360 degree panoramic view of the snow covered tops all around you. It was amazing as a cyclist too, to arrive at the Arc De Triomphe in Paris, and The Eiffel Tower where my wife Ally and I got engaged to be married. It was also quite a moment to arrive in Africa knowing I’d cycled there from Stirling Castle, where I’d left a month previous, and I found the magnitude of that difficult to comprehend to be honest, being in a place that felt very different to anything I was used to.

Those views and moments aside, the rivers, wildlife, rocky outcrops, cliffs and valleys of the Camino Santiago trail in Northern Spain, will take some beating to top in this lifetime, and I’ll revisit that area again for sure.”

Q3. What does the support from local businesses mean to you?

“The support of small businesses such as Blink Opticians in Bridge of Allan is so important to the Eilidh Brown Respite Home, and it’s only through that continued support that we can secure and sustain the home for the future. Blink came on board nice and early once again this year, having sponsored on The Rock To Rome and The Five Nations For Eilidh in the previous years. Although I self fund all my challenges, without people supporting the charity, then I’d just be another old guy on a bike. The Blink team bring energy and positivity, and that spurs me on, makes me feel we are all in this together, right behind our local charity, and the rest of the community are inspired by that I am sure.”

Q4. Why did you choose Oakley sunglasses with Nikon Seemax lenses for your challenge, and how did they perform during the ride?

“I’ve been using the Oakley sports frames with the Nikon SeeMax lenses for two and half years now, and they are the standard. Unparalleled clarity in vision, no matter where I look through the lenses, even in diminishing light and at any range. The Nikon varifocals are such that your eyes don’t see the transition lines on the lens, they are seamless. The Oakleys not only look amazing but as a cyclist, often in high wind and bumpy terrain at high speed, the frames don’t move, no repositioning on bridge of nose required, I can look down in an aerodynamic position the whole way without fidgeting, or relinquishing control of the bike and handlebars to adjust them, ensuring my safety. They are absolutely rock solid. I can scan 30 metres ahead on the road for puncture risks, and take early action to avoid them, then scan back to the navigation and performance data on my IPhone and Garmin instantly, without missing a beat. They are my go to and I quite honestly can’t do without them. I would highly recommend these to anybody who loves the outdoors, hill walkers, climbers, cyclists - mountain and road, and runners, they’re amazing.”

We’re incredibly proud to have supported Johnny on this unforgettable adventure - and we’ll be cheering him on for whatever comes next!

The Eilidh Brown Respite Home

Built in memory of Eilidh Brown who died from Germ Cell Cancer a few days short of her 16th birthday, the respite home provides a holiday home for children going through cancer treatment and their families to have a special, restful stay away together, to make memories away from hospital. It requires around £50k a year to keep the home running and Johnny's efforts go a long way toward ensuring it continues to offer comfort and care.

If you'd like to show your support, donations are still open via Johnny’s JustGiving page. Every penny goes towards this incredible cause: https://www.justgiving.com/page/therocktomorocco

👉 Want to try the same eyewear Johnny swears by? Pop into Blink and speak to our team!

Well done Johnny - you’ve shown us what’s possible with heart, determination, and a great pair of specs. And a huge congratulations on being awarded your MBE - very well deserved! 👏👏👏

The team at Blink

Supporting grassroots sport in Bridge of Allan

At Blink, supporting our local community isn’t just something we say - it’s something we genuinely love to do.

We’re proud to have been supporting our local Riverside Football Team, who train at the University of Stirling just outside Bridge of Allan, for the past couple of years - we were lead sponsor of the first ever Wallace Cup in 2024 and most recently sponsor of the Riverside 2011 Football Team for the 24/25 season.

The Wallace Cup 2024

The inargural Wallace Cup and Festival of Football was held by Riverside FC at the University of Stirling from June 15th to 17th 2024. Despite the rainy weather, the event was a massive success, bringing together a vibrant community of football enthusiasts. A total of 168 teams participated, playing a remarkable 492 games over the course of the weekend. With over 2,000 players and 6,000+ visitors, there was a great turnout and the event was a real celebration of youth football at its finest.

Riverside FC, shared their delight about the event's success and the stunning location.

"If we’d had a pound for every time a visiting team mentioned how incredible our surroundings and facilities were… we are so incredibly lucky to call the University of Stirling home!"

The university's picturesque setting and top-notch facilities undoubtedly added to the charm and enjoyment of the event for all participants and spectators.

At Blink, we believe in supporting local initiatives that foster community spirit and promote healthy activities for young people. Sponsoring the Riverside FC Wallace Cup and Festival of Football aligns perfectly with our values, and we were thrilled to see such an incredible turnout and level of enthusiasm from everyone involved.

The Riverside 2011s take over Blink

We’ve had the pleasure of sponsoring the Riverside 2011 Football Team for their 24/25 season, and recently we welcomed some of the team into the practice for an afternoon of fun, laughter… and just a little bit of chocolate!

From the moment they strolled down Henderson Street, we knew we were in for a treat. The boys arrived full of energy and quickly made themselves at home, trying on frames, experimenting with the optical equipment and even taking over the reception desk for a bit. Future optometrists in the making? We wouldn’t be surprised!

They were an absolute credit to their club and their families - polite, friendly, and full of fun. They did make a serious dent in our chocolate stash, but we’ll let them off!

Centrostyle sports frames

During their visit, some of the players tried on our new Centrostyle protective sports frames - a brilliant option for any young player who wears glasses and needs extra eye protection on the field. These specially designed frames are impact-resistant, comfortable, and stay securely in place - perfect when your usual specs just won’t cut it on match day.

At Blink, we’re happy to chat with any parents or carers who want to explore options for sports eyewear or contact lenses for active kids. Safety and performance should go hand in hand and we’re here to help make that happen.

We’re so proud to sponsor the Riverside 2011s and support grassroots sport here in Bridge of Allan. We hope our contribution helps the team continue to flourish. Thanks again to the boys for such a great visit. We hope to see you all again soon!

The team at Blink.

Supporting Sight, One Step at a Time: Laura’s West Highland Way Fundraiser

👟👣 We are incredibly proud of our Optometrist Laura who on the 21st of September 2024 will be walking a stretch of the West Highland Way to raise money for the Vision Scotland Sight Saving Surgery fund 🚶‍♀️⛰️

The Vision Scotland Sight Saving Surgery Fund is a vital initiative that supports patients in desperate need of eye care—those who, for various reasons, have "fallen through the cracks" of the NHS. These patients may not qualify for eye surgery or face waits that could be detrimental to their eye health. Thanks to this fund, optometrists can nominate patients who urgently need treatment but cannot access it through traditional routes.

The most common requests for treatment have been from: 
📌 carers who are unable to carry out their responsibilities due to poor eye health 
📌 car drivers who are below driving standard but who rely on driving for work / care / other essential reasons
📌 workers who require a level of eyesight for their livelihood
📌 those who have lost sight in one eye so risk blindness without treatment

The surgeons and staff at Vision Scotland generously donate their time, ensuring that all funds raised go towards covering the other essential costs associated with surgery, including pre-operative care, theatre use, clinical equipment, and post-surgery care.

Laura will be walking with the Vision Scotland team, some of whom will be running a 44 mile stretch from Fort William to Tyndrum - all in one day! Laura is aiming for 26 miles which is still pretty impressive don't you think? 👍 We couldn’t be prouder of her commitment and dedication to this cause.

If you see Laura and Murphy out training please give them a wave and cheer them on! 🐾 And if you're able to donate, please visit https://www.gofundme.com/visionscotland

Thank you!

Pedalling for a Purpose!

**Update 15/06/24**

Kevin and Linda have been in touch and asked us to pass on our thanks to you all for the support you gave them on their cycling challenge. They were delighted to have received so many donations for Strathcarron Hospice in memory of their friend Pat.

They arrived safely in Santiago after 900kms and 21 days of cycling, and managed to persuade a lovely Spanish lady to take a photo of them wearing their Strathcarron Hospice cycling jerseys and their Blink sunglasses! You can also see them holding a photo of their dear friend Pat who received compassionate care at the Hospice and was the inspiration for their incredible challenge.

They wrote "It was an even harder journey than we anticipated, although we have been blessed by fantastic weather. The best we've ever had on a Camino."

Congratulations Kevin and Linda on your oustanding achievement!

Original Post

🚴‍♀️🚴‍♂️ Meet Kevin and Linda Clarke, our amazing patients who will be cycling the Camino de Santiago to support Strathcarron Hospice! 🌟 They're on a mission to raise funds in memory of a dear friend, who received compassionate care at the Hospice. 🚴‍♀️🚴‍♂️

Blink is proud to support them on their journey with discounted eyewear and a donation to their cause. Kevin, equipped with Sports 2 lenses in his trusted Oakley frames, is all set for the road ahead, ensuring clear vision for every twist and turn. The lenses are perfect for distance but also for gazing down to his Garmin at arm’s length. 🕶️🛣️ His verdict? "Amazing!" 🌈✨

Kevin and Linda plan to cycle the Camino del Norte from San Sebastián to Oviedo, and then head into the mountains of Asturias on the Camino Primitivo - a very demanding route!

Please join us in cheering them on and showing your support by visiting their fundraising page: https://www.strathcarronhospice.net/fundraisers/where-theres-a-will

Best of luck Kevin and Linda, from the team at Blink!

You can keep up-to-date on their progress via their blog: https://kevinandlindatravel.wordpress.com

The gift of Vision and Style

We have a range of gift vouchers available at Blink which can be used on any of our products and services including our stylish frames, sunglasses and contact lenses! We have proudly donated our gift vouchers to support various local causes, including fundraisers for our local Bridge of Allan primary school. It's just one of the ways we try to give back and make a positive impact where it matters most.

Making your purchase count!

In July and August of 2023 we worked with Nikon to support the Trussel Trust charity by making a donation with every pair of spectacles ordered with a Nikon Seecoat coating (SeeCoat Next, SeeCoat Drive, SeeCoat Bright, SeeCoat Blue Premium UV, SeeCoat Plus UV and Pure Blue UV).

The Trussel Trust support a nationwide network of food banks (including 43 in Scotland) and together they provide emergency food and support to people facing hardship, and campaign for change to end the need for food banks in the UK.

Together with Nikon Lenswear UK and other participating practices, we raised £14,030 for the Trussell Trust.

We are so proud to have supported this fantastic cause and we’re grateful to YOU our wonderful patients for making your purchase count!

Thank you from the team at Blink

IndiRow23 & MollyOlly

In May 32 Allan Huntly, one of our patients, and his cuddly lion cub Olly, set off on a courageous journey rowing across the Indian Ocean from Perth, Australia to Mauritius as part of the Indirow23 team to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson's disease research.

To help Allan on his journey, we provided him with Oakley and Under Armour sunglasses to protect his eyes from the harsh sun and keep him rowing safely.

After a whopping 69 days of unsupported rowing, Allan and the rest of the IndiRow23 crew arrived in Mauritius! We are so impressed and proud to have supported Allan and loved seeing the pictures of him arriving, looking slightly hairier than when he departed, but still looking super cool in his shades! 😎

Find out more about Parkinsons here: https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/

The adorable Olly represents Molly Ollys Wishes Charity who provide wishes to children with life threatening illnesses for a gift, equipment or an experience to help them cope through their dark days. They've also developed this therapeutic toy lion called Olly The Brave which is donated free of charge to each child. Olly has his own line and also has a detachable mane that helps to explain and normalise the hair-loss that comes with many types of chemotherapy. To find out more about this amazing charity visit https://mollyolly.co.uk/

Blink is incredibly proud to have donated to both charities. Well done and congratulations from the team at Blink, Bridge of Allan

Rock to Rome 2023 🚴‍♂️😎

In May 2023 Johnny Dreczkowski from Bridge of Allan cycled from Stirling Castle to The Colosseum in Rome, Italy, solo and unsupported, to raise money for the Eilidh Brown Respite Home. His journey involved cycling over 1,400 miles or so from Scotland to England, across Central Europe through The Netherlands, Germany, Austria, south through The Austrian Alps, over The Brenner Pass into the Dolomite Mountains of northeast Italy, down onto the Adriatic Coast and Venice, before crossing southwest, up and over the formidable Apennine Mountain range to his destination, The Colosseum, in Rome.

Six countries, over 3 1/2 weeks, over 1,400 miles of cycling, 74,000 feet of climbing through Europe’s highest mountain ranges, solo, unsupported. A very impressive accomplishment!

Blink supplied Johnny with Oakley frames and a donation of £300 with Nikon Lenswear UK sponsoring the lenses. The lenses were from Nikon's Seemax sports 2 range which provide flexibility for nearer viewing without compromising distance performance, giving dynamic vision. With high contrast brown lenses and a performance orange mirror all to make the contrast on his cycle better and clearer.😎🚴‍♂️

We are in absolute awe of Johnny’s acheivement - congratulations from everyone here at Blink!

Find Johnny’s RockToRome pages on Facebook or Instagram - he’s always up to something interesting. There’s talk of a Rock to Rome 2024!

“A big shout out to the team at Blink - Bridge of Allan for their very generous sponsorship, and supplying me with these superb Nikon sports lenses in an Oakley frame for my cycling challenge. The new Nikon lenses reduce road glare, sharpen my long distance for upcoming hazards whilst enabling me to read on-bike instrumentation, and the Oakley frames provide sports-tested stability so there’s no fidgeting to get them back in position. Go and see Mandy and Laura at Blink Opticians for a professional and friendly service.“ Johnny Dreczkowski

On Par with Community Support

We are thrilled to be sponsoring the 4th tee at Bridge of Allan Golf Club.

Not only that...we're offering 20% discount on sports eyewear to all Bridge of Allan Golf Club members!

We’re lucky to have such a fabulous golf club on our doorstep - the 9-hole course which has been described as ‘one of Scotland’s national treasures’ sits on the hill above Bridge of Allan and is a fantastic way to relax and take in the beauty of the Forth Valley.

Just like the precision and accuracy required in golf, we provide the same level of attention to detail when it comes to your eye care needs. We recommend SeeMax Sports lenses by Nikon. Available in over 25 specially designed and selected colours, SeeMax Sports offers a solution to cater for every sports environment. Adaptable to all frame styles including fashion and wrapped frames, we can fit Seemax Sports lenses to your existing frames or choose new ones from some of the best brands in the business, including Oakley, MauiJim and RayBan.