What is Minor Eye Care Services (MECS)?

If you're living in the boroughs of Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark you can now access a new service called MECS that provides assessment for many common eye conditions through your local optician.

This service was established by your local NHS Clinical Commissioning Group for patients of all ages (except in Bromley which is for 16 and over) who are registered with a GP within the borough, to access an accredited local optometrist if they experience a medical eye condition.

 

Medical eye conditions that can be treated by MECS

• Sudden or recent reduction in vision in one or both eyes
• Red eye(s) or eye lids
• Pain and / or discomfort in the eyes, around the eye area or temples
• Recent onset or sudden increase of flashes and / or floaters in one or both eyes (appears like a fly, black specks or a cobweb moving across your vision)
• Mild trauma, for example a scratch to the outer surface of the eye(s) or lid(s)
• Suspected foreign body in the eye
• Recent onset of double vision
• Significant recent discharge from or watering of the eye

If you are unsure whether your symptoms qualify, please contact one of the approved opticians who can offer help and advice.

 

How do I access the service?

 

 

Click on one of the buttons above to view a list of the approved opticians in your borough. Please be aware that your normal optometrist may not offer this service.

You can contact any of the approved opticians yourself to make an appointment and ask to be seen under MECS. Alternatively, if you make an appointment to see your GP, they may refer you to the optometrist for treatment.

 

What happens when I see the optometrist?

The optometrist will discuss your eye history, any symptoms you may be experiencing and any related medical history. You will receive an eye assessment relevant to your symptoms.

Please take a list of all current medications and your current glasses with you to the appointment.

• Given appropriate treatment by the optometrist, which may include a follow-up appointment
• Referred to your GP for appropriate treatment if your eye condition is related to your general health
• Referred directly to the hospital eye service if your eye condition is more serious

Following your appointment the optometrist will notify your GP about the outcome of your consultation in order to ensure your medical records are updated.

Remember: you may not be able to drive immediately after the eye examination