The local opticians are offering a Minor Eye Condition Service. What is this?
A Minor Eye Conditions’ Service (MECS) is a new NHS service that allows local opticians and optometrists to check minor, recent eye problems. You can call in to a MECS if you have a red eye or eyelids, irritated, gritty or uncomfortable eyes, a sticky discharge, a painful eye, issues with eyelashes, recent and sudden loss of vision or a foreign body in the eye. MECS are available in some but not all parts of the UK. It is not suitable for people who are already having eye conditions treated or monitored at the hospital. Ask your local optician if they offer this service.
What sort of eye problems can my local Minor Eye Conditions Service deal with?
You can contact your locals MECS if you have a sudden loss of vision or blurred vision. The practitioner can assess you if you have pain or discomfort in your eye, or a red eye. They can also assist if you have a foreign body in the eye, an ingrowing eyelash lumps and bumps in the vicinity of the eye. A MECS will also assess you for recent onset of double vision, or if you see flashing lights or dots or shadows in your vision.
I have injured my eye and it is red and painful. What should I do?
If you have scratched your eye or have a foreign body or irritant in it, it can be very painful. If the pain and irritation persists, seek help as soon as possible, either from a Minor Eye Condition service at your local optical practice, your GP or the hospital eye emergency service, depending on what operates in your area. You can call NHS 111 for advice too, or find your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department here.
I’ve got a sore red eye, haloes around lights, my vision isn’t great. What should I do?
This could be a sign of acute onset glaucoma, a sudden rise in pressure inside the eye. The pain my be severe enough to make you feel sick or unwell If you have these symptoms you need to visit your local accident and emergency department as soon as possible. You can call NHS 111 for advice too, or find your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department here.
