Primary Eyecare provides NHS funded eyecare services across large parts of England. The services are available from the majority of local opticians, from the smallest independent practice to the largest national chains.

Minor Conditions treated by the service

The Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS) provides assessment and treatment for people with recently occurring minor eye problems.

If you are experiencing:

You do not need a GP appointment or referral you can arrange an appointment with an optician through the Minor Eye Conditions Service

Urgent eye care covered by this service

The Urgent Eyecare Service (UES) provides urgent assessment, treatment or referral for sudden onset eye problems such as flashes, floaters, vision loss or minor eye injuries.

This is an NHS service provided by accredited opticians.

If you have a major eye condition that is being regularly monitored by your optometrist or hospital eye service, such as cataracts, diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma, this is not covered by this service.

You do not need a GP appointment or referral you can arrange an appointment with an optician through the Urgent Eye Care Service.