Emergency Eye Clinic
We encourage patients to make us the first port of call regarding any eye health issues.
If you suddenly start to experience an acute* problem with your eyes or they have become sore, inflamed or red you may be suitable for treatment by our Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS), known as the NI PEARS Scheme (Northern Ireland Primary Eyecare Assessment and Referral Service). If you do not qualify under the NI PEARS Scheme a private fee will apply depending on your condition.
Not all red eyes are sight threatening – but always warrant investigation, especially if there is pain, discharge, change of vision or sensitivity to light.
*An acute condition is one with a sudden onset within 24-48hours. If you have had the condition for many weeks and months it is called a chronic condition and you should discuss this with your regular optometrist or GP, in the first instance.
Who Is This Service Available To?
Under this scheme, patients 5 years and over, who are registered with a GP in Northern Ireland can access this service, rather than waiting for a GP appointment or referral to eye casualty.
Whether or not you are an EK Eyewear patient or not, you can access our Emergency Eye Clinic during practice opening hours.
When To Use The Emergency Eye Clinic?
We can be your first port of call if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Acute* red eye or eyelids
- Irritation and inflammation of the eye
- Significant recent sticky discharge from the eye or watery eye
- Recently occurring flashes or floaters
- In growing eyelashes
- Recent and sudden loss of vision
- Foreign body in the eye
*An acute condition is one with a sudden onset within 24-48hours. If you have had the condition for many weeks and months it is called a chronic condition and you should discuss this with your regular optometrist or GP, in the first instance.
This service is to help reduce unnecessary attendance to eye casualty.
There is some NHS contribution to this service, but please note, if you have an eye condition that is being monitored regularly by your optometrist or hospital eye service, such as cataracts, glaucoma, blepharitis or dry eye, this will not be covered by the NI PEARS Scheme.
If you are unsure whether your eye problem requires medical attention, please contact our practice and a member of our team will be happy to advise you. Please note this service is not available to children under 5 years of age.
