SPH Opticians

What Symptoms Can Be Treated by the Community Urgent Eyecare Service?

• Red or painful eye or eyelids

• Recently occurring flashes and floaters

• Recent and sudden loss of vision

• Foreign body in the eye

This is an NHS service provided by accredited optometrists.

Please note that this service is not a sight test.

Who Is This Service For?

If you are registered with a local GP in an area you can use this service. It is for people of all ages – adults and children – and you do not need a GP referral. Children under 16 years must be accompanied at their appointment by an adult.

If you have an 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. In this case you should contact your usual optometrist or hospital eye service directly for advice in the usual way.

Download our Community Urgent Eyecare Service leaflet to find out more.

How Do I Book an Appointment With the Service?

You will normally need an appointment for this service so please telephone the practice on: 0121 5571875

Please do not visit the practice without first booking an appointment.

You will be asked some questions about your symptoms to assess your needs. More urgent cases will be seen within 24 hours.

If you have very minor symptoms the optometrist may advise you how to manage the condition yourself or how to seek support from your local pharmacy.

Appointments are available during normal working hours if we can’t offer you an appointment we will help you to find you an alternative appointment nearby.