Primary Eyecare Services provides NHS funded eye care services across large parts of England. The services are available from the majority of local opticians (also known as optometrists), from the smallest independent practice to the largest national chains.
You do not need a GP referral. You can contact an optical practice directly to make an appointment, this is called self-referral. To find your nearest optometry practice providing these services click here.
Urgent Community Eyecare Service
The Community Urgent Eyecare Service (CUES) provides urgent assessment, treatment or referral for sudden onset eye problems.
The Community Urgent Eyecare Service can treat:
- Red or painful eye or eyelids
- Recently occurring flashes and floaters
- Recent and sudden loss of vision
- Foreign body in the eye
This is an NHS service provided by accredited optometrists (also commonly known as opticians).
Minor Eye Conditions Service
The Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS) provides assessment and treatment for people with recently occurring minor eye problems. It is an NHS service provided by accredited optometrists (also commonly called opticians).
The Minor Eye Conditions Service can treat:
- Red eye or eyelids
- Dry, gritty or uncomfortable eyes
- Eye irritation and inflammation
- A lot of recent discharge from the eye or watery eye
- Recently occurring flashes or floaters
- Painful eye
- Ingrowing lashes
- Recent and sudden loss of vision
- Foreign body in the eye