At Colin Lee opticians we are involved with local GP’s in an NHS shared care service where we are now able to see patients with minor eye conditions such as red or painful eyes without the need of paying for an eye test or the need to visit your doctors or local hospital. The service has been known by various names since it was introduced such as MECs or Minor eye conditions service but is now CUES or Community Urgent Eyecare Service.
Conditions that can be seen under the service include;
• Red Eye or eyelids
• Painful/Uncomfortable eyes
• Irritation and inflammation of the eye
• Significant recent sticky discharge from the eye or watering
• Recently occurring flashes or floaters
• In growing eyelashes
• Recent and sudden loss of vision
• Foreign body in the eye
Opticians were previously unable to see such conditions under the NHS and it was considered a private examination and instead had to visit a local hospital or GP. Not anymore. If you are registered with a local GP you can use this new service no matter what your age (under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult).
To make an appointment call your local branch. You will be asked some questions about your symptoms in order to assess how quickly you need to be seen by the service, which will be within 24 hours in urgent cases and a few days for routine appointments.
Please Note this is not a full sight test.
If you have a major eye condition that is being monitored by your optometrist or hospital eye service, this will not be covered by this service e.g. cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.
If your condition is more serious you will be referred either urgently or routinely to a hospital eye clinic.