Emergency Eyecare (MECS)

WHAT IS A MECS APPOINTMENT?

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Your local Minor Eye Care Service (MECS) is a free NHS service which provides patients experiencing certain eye conditions with appropriate treatment closer to home. We work closely with all local Doctor's surgeries and Kent hospitals. We accept referrals from healthcare practitioners, GPs and Pharmacists as well as direct from our patients.

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WHEN DO I NEED A MECS?

 

Conditions covered by the service are as follows:​​​

• 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 lids(s)

• Suspected foreign body in the eye

• Dry eye (sudden onset)

• Significant recent discharge from or watering of the eye

• Trichiasis (in growing eyelashes)

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If any of the above symptoms have started within the last few hours or days, you can self-refer. Please call us so we can triage your condition as soon as possible. Please be aware that if we advise a dilation is necessary, you will not be permitted to drive, so a lift will be required. Free parking is available on site, and we are also on the main route for the local bus service. 

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WHAT HAPPENS AT A MECS APPOINTMENT?

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

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, and:

• be given appropriate treatment or advice by the optometrist, which may include a follow-up appointment

• be referred to your GP for appropriate treatment if your eye condition is related to your general health

• be referred directly to the hospital eye service if your eye condition is more serious.

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For any long-standing conditions NOT covered by MECS, please consider joining our Eyeplan membership for complete peace of mind.