The Dudley Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS) provides 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 by the service include:

• Red eye or eyelids
• Dry eye, gritty and uncomfortable eyes
• Irritation and inflammation of the eye
• 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 via Primary Eye Care: Find a Practicewho 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 WECS; for example cataracts, diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma.

Who is the Service For?

The service is for people registered with a Dudley GP. It is for people of all ages – adults and children. Children under 16 years must be accompanied at their appointment by an adult.

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 telephone an 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 symptoms, 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 to enlarge your pupils in order to get a better view inside your eyes. You should not drive until the 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 your first appointment.

If your condition is more serious, the optometrist will book you an urgent appointment at a hospital eye clinic for care.

If you need a routine appointment with a hospital, the optometrist will refer you for this.

You may also be advised to make an appointment with your GP if you eye condition is related to your general health.

Information or Communication Support Needs

If you have specific information or communication support needs, please let the practice know in advance at the time of booking your appointment.