The Dudley Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS) provides an assessment and treatment for people with recently occurring minor eye conditions. The service is provided by MECS accredited optometrists (also known as opticians) across Dudley who have specialist knowledge, training and skills. Minor eye conditions that can be treated within the service include:

• Red eye or eyelids
• Dry, gritty and uncomfortable eyes
• Irritation and inflammation of the eyes
• Significant recent sticky discharge from the eye or watery eye
• Recently occurring flashes and floaters
• Painful eye
• Ingrowing eyelashes
• Recent and sudden loss of vision
• Foreign body in the eye

If you are concerned about your eyes or eyesight, or if you are unsure whether your symptoms can be assessed and treated by the service, please contact one of the participating optometry practices who will advise you.

If you have an eye condition that is being regularly monitored by your optometrist or hospital eye service, this will not be covered by MECS; for example cataracts, diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma.

Who is the service for?

The service is for people registered with a Dudley GP and it is for people of all ages. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at the appointment.

How do I book an appointment with the service?

The service is provided by a number of MECS registered optometrists across Dudley and some adjoining areas. You will need to telephone the approved optometrist directly (self refer) to make an appointment. On contacting the optometry practice, you will be asked some questions about your symptoms in order to assess how quickly you need to be seen by the service.

Depending on your systems, you will be seen within 24 or 48 hours. Appointments are available during normal working hours. Some optometry practices offer appointments at the weekend.

Please take your glasses and a list of your current medication with you to the appointment. The optometrist may put drops in your eyes which enlarge the pupils in order to get a better view inside your eyes. You should not drive until the side effects of these drops have worn off, which may take a few hours.

What will happen at my appointment?

The optometrist will discuss your eye history and the symptoms you are experiencing. You will receive an eye assessment, advice and treatment appropriate to your symptoms. You may need a follow-up appointment, and if so, this will be booked at the end of the appointment.

If your condition is more serious, the optometrist will book you an urgent appointment at a hospital eye clinic for further care. If you need a routine appointment with a hospitl, the optometrist will refer you for this.

You may also be advised to make an appointment with your GP if your eye conditions is related to your general health. You can find out which practices participate in this service by visiting www.primaryeyecare.co.uk.