The Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS) Or the Covid-19 Urgent Eye Service (Cues) provide a way for our optometrists to manage eye conditions in practice without patients having the long wait to see their GP or visit A&E.
Emergency Eye Appointments
MECS / CUES
This free service is provided by our specially trained and accredited MECS optometrists and opticians.
Eye-related symptoms and minor eye conditions that can be treated by the service include:
- Red / sore / dry / watery eyes
- Discharge from the eyes
- Itchy eyes
- Painful / light sensitivity
- Flashing lights and floaters
- Sudden loss or reduction in vision
- Visual aura / migraines
- Double vision
- Contact lens related problems
- And many more!
If you have any eye issue please call us and a member of our reception staff will run through a series of questions to decide how soon you need to be seen or whether you require a normal eye examination. We aim to solve your eye issues in practice, which saves you time and leads to resolving your eye issue quickly.
In fact, 70% of patients seen under the Urgent Eye Service do not require further appointments and are discharged after their first visit.
CONTACT
When to treat an eye problem as urgent
Call us straight away if you notice any of these in Aldridge and Walsall or the surrounding area:
- Sudden loss of vision, or vision that has suddenly become blurred
- New flashing lights, or a sudden shower of floaters
- A red, painful eye, or an eye that is sensitive to light
- Sudden double vision
- A chemical splash, a blow to the eye, or something stuck in the eye
Urgent eye appointments in Aldridge: call Hamer Opticians on 01922 455664 as early in the day as you can. We can often see you the same day, and normally within 24 hours. We are open Monday to Friday 09:00–17:30, and Saturday 09:00–16:00, and keep appointment time aside for urgent problems. For chemical burns, serious injury or sudden complete loss of vision, go straight to A&E.
NHS urgent eye care in Aldridge
Many urgent eye problems can be seen under the NHS Community Urgent Eyecare Service (CUES), at no cost to you. Call us and describe what you are experiencing and we will tell you whether your symptoms can be seen under the NHS scheme, or book you in privately if not.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as an eye emergency?
Sudden loss or blurring of vision, a new shower of floaters or flashing lights, a red and painful eye, sudden double vision, chemical splashes, or anything stuck in the eye should all be treated as urgent. If you are unsure, call us on 01922 455664 and we will advise you.
How quickly can I be seen?
We can often see you the same day, and normally within 24 hours. Call 01922 455664 as early in the day as you can — the earlier you ring, the more likely we are to fit you in that day.
Can I get an urgent eye appointment on a Saturday in Aldridge?
Yes. We are open Saturday 09:00 to 16:00 and keep time aside for urgent problems. Call as early as you can on a Saturday, as we close at 16:00. We can often see you the same day, and normally within 24 hours.
Is urgent eye care free on the NHS?
Many urgent eye problems can be seen under the NHS Community Urgent Eyecare Service (CUES), which is free to the patient. Call us and describe your symptoms and we will tell you whether your problem can be seen under the NHS scheme.
I have flashes and floaters — what should I do?
A sudden increase in floaters, or new flashing lights, needs to be checked urgently because it can be a sign of a retinal tear or detachment. Do not wait for a routine appointment. Call us on 01922 455664 the same day.
I have a red, painful eye — should I go to A&E or to an optician?
For most red or painful eyes an optometrist is the right first port of call. We have the equipment to examine the front and back of the eye and can refer you straight to hospital if needed. Go directly to A&E for chemical burns, a serious injury, or sudden complete loss of vision.
Do I need an appointment for an emergency eye problem?
Please call 01922 455664 before coming in rather than turning up. That way we can give you an urgent slot — often the same day, and normally within 24 hours — and make sure the right equipment and optometrist are free when you arrive.
Worried about your eyes today? Call 01922 455664 or book an appointment online. See also our opticians in Aldridge page.