MECS is a free service available from accredited optometrists in Wolverhampton.
When to use MECS?
MECS service is available as an alternative option to presenting at Accident & Emergency for the diagnosis and treatment of minor eye conditions. MECS can be accessed on a self-referral basis or alternatively your GP may refer you onto MECS if appropriate.
Recent 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 or sudden increase of flashes and floaters
• Painful eye
• In-growing eyelashes
• Recent and sudden reduced vision
• Something in your eye
If you are unsure whether your symptoms can be assessed and treated by the service, please contact a participating optometrist who will advise you. If you have an eye condition that is being monitored by your GP or the hospital, contact your GP practice or hospital department in the first instance.
MECS is most certainly an alternative to A&E, where we know some patients currently go. There are some circumstances, however, when only A&E will do:
• Considerable eye pain
• Significant trauma such as penetrating injury or lacerations to the eye or eyelid
• Chemical injury or burns
• Problems arising from recent eye surgery
What happens next?
- If your condition is more serious, the optometrist will book you an urgent appointment at a hospital eye clinic
- If you need a routine appointment with a hospital, the optician will make a referral for you
- If your eye condition is related to your general health, you may be advised to make an appointment with your GP
- If you need medication, you may be advised to contact your local pharmacist
Find a participating optometrist
If you are registered with a Wolverhampton GP practice and/or live in the city boundaries, you can use MECS.
For more information please visit Minor Eye Conditions (MECS).