Anyone in Greater Manchester can now visit an emergency eye clinic for free as the NHS rolls out a campaign to tackle eye health waiting times.

Greater Manchester’s Urgent Eyecare Service (UES), which has already treated more than 100,00 patients since commencing in 2020, is a free NHS service for anyone who experiences emergency eye care problems and are registered with a Greater Manchester GP.

The service means face-to-face appointments with a local optician team are now available throughout all ten boroughs of Greater Manchester, which means for many, avoiding an unnecessary visit to a GP or hospital emergency department.

The UES provides urgent assessment, treatment or referral for sudden onset eye problems, such as: red or painful eye or eyelids.

The Bolton News:

In most cases, the service will be able to treat the patient quickly and easily however, if hospital treatment is needed, the service will arrange an emergency appointment with an eye specialist at a hospital.

Wendy Craven, clinical director for Primary Eyecare, said: “It’s so important that we look after our eyes by having regular check-ups with an optician, but if you find yourself with a sudden, onset eye condition, the urgent eyecare service can give advice and treatment without delay.

Appointments can be made by finding a participating practice at www.primaryeyecare.co.uk and contacting them directly.