Can’t get a doctors appointment for DC and suspect she has an eye infection - would an optician be able to help?

[Snowflakes1122]

DD (5 years old) has a terribly runny/gunky eye. Pretty sure it is infected. Currently on hold to The doctor, but the hold message says all appointments are gone today. If I can’t get to see the doctors, would an optician be able to help or prescribe for her?

Typo DD is 4 years old, not 5

Is there a walk in centre near you?

Pharmacist may be able to help, I know opticians do check eye health just not sure if they can prescribe antibiotics drops/gel if needed.

There are some antibiotic eye drops available from the pharmacist, yes. Pop in and ask to speak to them.

A pharmacist is your best bet initially.

Have you tried salt water? It is antibacterial and should help.

I would ring a pharmacy and ask what the best option is.

Thanks. I didn’t think of the pharmacy. Will give them a call.

primaryeyecare.co.uk/services/minor-eye-conditions-service/

Most opticians can't prescribe (though some can) so agree with PP, pharmacist is the way to go. I think they can just sell you the drops for any child over the age of 2.

Pharmacists usually insist on seeing the person with gunky eye btw. Irritating but I can understand why! And they are quite expensive drops-about ten quid.

Ive had an adult antibiotic eye drop prescription from an options before (Scotland) after an eye injury

(Don't try to unjam a nerf gun while looking at the bullet position down the barrel!)

If you're in Wales your optician should be your first port of call and will be able to sort this

I had one the other day and nurse said it should self resolve, just keep bathing it with cotton wool and cool boiled water

Salt water for eyes & sore throats until u can get pharmacy advice.
Wonderful stuff.

Pharmacist

You can get advice from the pharmacy, but honestly, most eye infections are viral and you don't need antibiotics. They will almost always resolve on their own in a couple days.

Try a walk in clinic but be prepared for a long wait just in case.

For any treatment your daughter recieves, the doctor will contact your GP anyway.

My DD had an eye infection recently. I took a photo of her eye and showed it to the pharmacist who suggested chloramphenicol eye drops which I purchased over the counter. It resolved very quickly after that.

Thank you for all the replies.

I managed to speak to the doctor in the end (after persisting on hold for 45 minutes) and he prescribed antibiotics, so hopefully she will be better in a couple of days now. 😊

Your GP is not first port of call for minor eye infections. It’s what pharmacies are for. They can assess and sell you eye drops over the counter

I have been to the optician for an eye problem, they couldn't prescribe the treatment I needed, they did write a letter to my GP and I was able to collect a prescription later that day.