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

Dry and watery eyes

Please note that this service is not an eye test.

Who is this service for?

If you are registered with a GP in an area where the service is commissioned, you can use this service. It is for people of all ages – adults and children. Children under 16 years must be accompanied at their appointment by an adult.

How do I book an appointment with the service?

To make an appointment please call, text or book online. We may need to contact you to ask some questions about your symptoms in order to assess if you need to be seen and how quickly, which will be within 24hrs for urgent cases. Please bring your glasses and a list of your current medication with you to the appointment.

What to expect at 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.