Question for an optometrist

[Soubriquet]

I’ve been having problems the last few days with my right eye.

Things have gotten blurrier and occasionally I get black spots.

I’ve been having a pressure headache to go with that.

Can I book directly with someone like spec savers to investigate that, or do I have to see a doctor and be referred to someone for a fuller investigation?

Thank you

I have PM’d you!

Do you live anywhere near a walk in eye Casualty? If so go there.

Could be a migraine. Optician can assess and refer if necessary.

Thanks for replies (and the PM)

I’ll call doctors and see what they say.
I don’t think it’s a migraine as this has been happening for a few days and light doesn’t bother me.

You can see a local ophthalmic optician who will examine the eye (including the retina), check the intra ocular pressure, look at the nerve, etc. If they see anything of concern they can refer you either to an eye A&E or to the relevant sub specialty.

If you are in London and think it is urgent you can go to an eye A&E as a walk in (Moorfields, Western Eye, Whipps Cross among others). The waiting time can be long but you will get seen. Moorfields also has a nurse led advice line if you are in doubt what is the best course of action.

If you see anything like a black curtain blocking a section of your vision (not intermittent) then go to A&E so they can check your retina. Retinal detachment is not associated with headache but you could get retinal detachment and a coincidental headache. Or it could all be a migraine, but get checked out somewhere.

Thank you.

No where near London but thank you anyway.

Btw I should have said you can call the Moorfields Helpline from anywhere in the UK.

Moorfields Direct, on 020 7566 2345. Staffed by experienced ophthalmic-trained nurses, the helpline is open from 9am to 9pm, Monday to Friday and from 8.30am to 5pm on Saturdays.

If you call you will probably need to leave a message and someone will call you back.