If you are experiencing a sudden eye problem, getting seen quickly is essential. Many opticians across the UK are accredited to provide emergency and urgent eye care, often through the NHS Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS) or similar local schemes. This is usually faster and more appropriate than going to A&E.
Symptoms that require urgent eye care include: sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, a sudden increase in floaters (especially with flashes of light), a shadow or dark curtain spreading across your vision, sudden severe eye pain, a red and painful eye with sensitivity to light, something stuck in your eye, a chemical splash in your eye, sudden double vision, or a recent eye injury. If you experience any of these, call your local optician immediately — many can see you the same day.
The NHS MECS scheme allows accredited opticians to assess and manage a wide range of urgent eye conditions without you needing a GP referral or A&E visit. The service is free where available (it is commissioned locally, so coverage varies). Common conditions managed through MECS include conjunctivitis, foreign bodies, corneal abrasions, dry eye flare-ups, subconjunctival haemorrhages, and suspected acute glaucoma. If the optician identifies something that needs hospital treatment, they can refer you directly to the hospital eye service as an urgent case.
To find urgent eye care near you, call your regular optician first. If they cannot see you or are not accredited for urgent care, they can usually direct you to the nearest practice that is. You can also call NHS 111 for advice on where to go. Only attend A&E for eye problems if your optician is unavailable and you are experiencing sight-threatening symptoms such as sudden vision loss, chemical burns, or a penetrating eye injury.