Urgent Eyecare Service
What is the Urgent Eyecare Service?
The Urgent Eyecare Service (CUES) provides urgent assessment, treatment or referral for sudden onset eye problems such as flashes, floaters, vision loss or minor eye injuries. It is an NHS service provided by local accredited optometrists (also known as opticians).
What Symptoms Can Be Treated by the Urgent Eyecare Service?
Symptoms include:
- Red or painful eye or eyelids
- Recently occurring flashes and floaters
- Recent and sudden loss of vision
- Foreign body in the eye
Please note that this service is not an eye test.
Who Is This Service For?
If you are registered with a GP in the London Boroughs of Richmond or Kingston, 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 services, such as cataracts, diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma, this is not covered by this service. In this case, you should consult your usual optometrist or hospital eye service directly for advice in the usual way.
How do I access the service?
An appointment will be required to access the service. Appointments are available during normal working hours and some opticians offer appointments at weekends. Not all opticians will have an optometrist available every day, but if they don’t, they will be able to help find you an alternative appointment nearby.
How do I book an appointment?
To make an appointment, please TELEPHONE one of the local opticians on the list below.
They will be able to confirm eligibility and carry out some screening questions in line with current COVID-19 guidance. Where appropriate, a clinician will be in touch to carry out a telephone or video consultation – followed by an appointment in person, if necessary.
Opticians providing the Service are also listed on the Primary Eyecare website:
If you have very minor symptoms the optometrist may advise you on how to manage the condition yourself or how to seek support from your local pharmacy.
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