MINOR EYE CONDITIONS SERVICE (MECS)
MECS is an NHS funded service available to patients registered with a City and Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets or Waltham Forest GP. The service is designed for the assessment and treatment of recently occurring medical eye conditions. Please note, in Newham and Waltham Forest, this service is for patients aged 10 years and over only (there is no minimum age in City & Hackney or Tower Hamlets).
The service does not replace the routine eye examination, eye tests or prescriptions for spectacles and a sight test will not be performed as part of the assessment or treatment and you will not be issued with a prescription for spectacles.
Eye Conditions Which Can Be Treated By MECS
The service is designed for recently occurring medical eye conditions such as:
- Red eye(s)
- Signifcant recent discharge from or watering from the eye
- Mild trauma, for example a scratch to the outer surface of the eye(s) or lid(s)
- Suspected foreign body in the eye
- Mild pain and/or discomfort in the eyes
Eye Conditions Which Cannot Be Treated By MECS
If you have sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, considerable eye pain or trauma, chemical injury or burns or recent eye surgery you should go directly to an A & E department.
How Do I Access MECS?
You can be referred by your GP practice. You can also contact an approved optometrist directly (self-refer) and make an appointment. Ask to be seen under the minor eye condition service. Appointments are available during normal working hours.
The service is provided by local optometrists with the specialist knowledge and skills to carry out this work. Please click here for more information and details of optometrists providing the service: nel-eyecare.com