MINOR EYE CONDITIONS SERVICE (MECS)
MECS is an NHS funded service available to all patients registered with a City and Hackney GP, Islington GP, Tower Hamlets GP or Newham GP. The service is designed for the assessment and treatment of recently occurring medical eye conditions.
The service is provided by local optometrists with the specialist knowledge and skills to carry out this work. Details of optometrists providing the service can be found by scrolling down the page.
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 may only need a leaflet stamped by the receptionist. 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 and you will be seen within 48 hours but usually on the same day.
You are free to contact any of the approved optometrists below. However, only approved optometrists can provide this service on the NHS so it may not be your normal optometrist.
For further information and participating practices please visit www.pec-elc.com