Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS)

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. 
 

What conditions are included in the service? 

• Loss of vision including transient loss  

• Ocular pain  

• Differential diagnosis of red eye  

• Corneal scratches and abrasions  

• Foreign body and emergency c/l removal (not including your practice patients)  

• Dry eye  

• Blepharitis  

• Epiphora  

• Trichiasis  

• Differential diagnosis of lumps and bumps within vicinity of the eye  

• Flashes/floaters  

• Patient reported sudden onset of field defects  

• Sudden onset of blurred vision (YOU MUST CONSIDER if a sight test would be more appropriate).  

Excluded conditions  

• Severe conditions e.g. orbital cellulitis, temporal arteritis    

• Eye problems related to herpes zoster  

• Adult squints, long standing diplopia  

• Removal of suture  

• Patient report symptoms that indicate a sight test is more appropriate than this service  

• Repeat field tests to aid diagnosis to aid an eye examination  

• Your own contact lens patients presenting with problems  

• Suspected cancers of the eye  

• Dry age related macular degeneration  

• Patients with significant other ocular pathology requiring specialist referral  

• The service is not to be used to monitor any diabetic retinopathy patients.

Who Is The Service For?

The service is for people of all ages. Children under 16 years must be accompanied at their appointment by an adult. You do not need a GP referral to use this service.

This service is available in many parts of England. Search the directory in the link below to find out whether the service is available in your area by entering the postcode for your GP practice.

Find a Practice - Search for your nearest participating optical practice (primaryeyecare.co.uk)

How Do I Book an Appointment With the Service?

When you have chosen an optical practice that is convenient for you, you can book the appointment yourself. This is called Self Referral.

You should telephone the eye practice directly to make an appointment. Please do not visit the practice without first making an appointment.

When you telephone the practice, you will be asked some questions about your symptoms so the team can assess how quickly you need to be seen.

Depending on your symptoms, you will be seen within 24 hours or a few working days. Your consultation may take the form of a telephone, video or in-person appointment.

If your symptoms are mild, you may be advised to contact your local pharmacists for simple treatment and over-the-counter medication.

Appointments are available during normal working hours. Some optometry practices offer evening and weekend appointments.