You can access this local expert service rather than waiting for a GP appointment for referral to a specialist clinic.

You can self-refer if you have started to experience any of the following symptoms:

• ​Red eye or eyelids.
• Dry eye, or gritty and uncomfortable eyes.
• Irritation and inflammation of the eye.
• Significant recent sticky discharge from the eye or watery eye.
• Recently occurring flashes or floaters.
• Ingrowing eyelashes.
• Recent and sudden loss of vision.
• Foreign body in the eye.

MECS is a way for people who are experiencing acute eye problems (problems that have begun very recently) to get the help they need quickly and easily.

In the past, people experiencing acute eye problems would usually have to go to see their GP. The GP would then refer them to a specialist eye clinic. This could be a slow process – frustrating to the patient and wasteful for the health service because often the problem would turn out to be simple to resolve.

Now, with MECS, any patient can arrange to come directly to a specialist optician who is involved in the scheme.

This is called ‘self-referral’ and is as simple as ringing to make an appointment. Please note, this is not a sight test.

Community Urgent Eyecare Services 0800 316 9200.