Urgent Eye Care Service

What is an Urgent Eye Care Service?

Symptoms that can be seen under the service include:

• Red or painful eye or eyelids

• Recently occurring flashes or floaters

• Recent and sudden loss of vision

• Foreign body in the eye

If you have very minor symptoms you may be advised to self care or seek support from your local pharmacy first.

I have an existing eye condition. Can I still use this service?

If you have a major eye condition that is being regularly monitored by your optometrists or hospital eye service, this will not be covered by this service, for example, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma.

Who is this service for?

You can use this service if you are registered with a local GP. It is for people of all ages – adults and children. Children under 16 years must be accompanied to their appointment by an adult.

How do I book an appointment?

Please call the practice on 01706 379783. You will be asked some questions about your symptoms in order to assess if you need to be seen and how quickly, which will be within 24 hours for urgent cases.

What happens at the appointment?

Please remember to take your glasses and a list of your current medication with you to the appointment.

The optometrist may put drops in your eyes to enlarge your pupils in order to get a better view inside your eyes. You should not drive until the effects of these drops have worn off, which may take a few hours.

If your condition is more serious, the optometrist will book you an urgent appointment at a hospital eye clinic.

If you need a routine appointment with a hospital, the optometrist will organise this for you. You may also be advised to make an appointment with your GP if your eye condition is in relation to your general health.