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Original poster

Where to go if you have a sudden eye symptom?

29 replies

SquirmOfEels · 14/10/2023 07:30

I think there was a thread about this a little while ago, so apologies for asking the same question again.

Where can you go at the weekend if you think there's something wrong with your eye that needs urgent assessment?

Is high street eg SpecSavers ok? Or - as I'm in London - is there anywhere else?

I've got a new symptom of flashing round the edge of the eye (and family history of a sibling who had a detached retina at about the same age as me)

I'd rather not wait until Monday

OP posts:
YouveGotAFastCar · 14/10/2023 07:31

London has an eye hospital that used to have a walk-in part.

Otherwise Vision Express have the machinery needed to generate a decent image of the eye and refer you same day. Specsavers might too.

Onthelongroad · 14/10/2023 07:32

Yes, go to an optician and ask for appointment.

Velvian · 14/10/2023 07:32

Yes try any opticians, they can quickly tell you whether or not it is a serious problem.

Interested in this thread?

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General health
Nitgel · 14/10/2023 07:33

Moorfields

ZebraD · 14/10/2023 07:33

Could be vitrious detachment - I have just had this. There is an NHS helpline to ring eye issues and they then direct you to get it checked out. I’ll try find the number but if not 111 will be able to direct you and sort out an appointment.
the retina can potentially become detached. I have just had laser surgery because I had a hole in my retina.
if you get any darkness or really bad floaters like a cob web get to a and e.

LadyWithLapdog · 14/10/2023 07:34

Many of the big hospitals have an Eye Unit attached where people can self-refer, or via A&E.

Beautifulsunflowers · 14/10/2023 07:35

Opticians will usually have time to see you as an emergency case. I’ve used specsavers in similar situations.
in London you have moorfields eye hospital. check to see If they have an emergency clinic. If they do then head over to there.

Riverlee · 14/10/2023 07:35

If you suspect a detached retina, go to a and e.

DeathMetalMum · 14/10/2023 07:35

Opticians, all should offer an emergency walk in type service. Similar to dentists that you may have to pay. They can even prescribe a number of eye treatments.

galletti · 14/10/2023 07:37

Moorfields A & E would be your best bet.

WeeOrcadian · 14/10/2023 07:37

We have a local eye A&E but any optician should be able to help

Cleverclocks · 14/10/2023 07:38

Western Eye hospital near Baker Street offers a walk in service, but can be a long wait at times. Hope it's nothing too serious.

Original poster
SquirmOfEels · 14/10/2023 07:39

Thank you.

I'll ring my opticians as soon as they open and see if they can fit me in today. If not I'll try others locally and 111

And I've found info on Moorfields, who will see emergencies and have a nurse-led help-line.

Thank you all.

I shall now drink my morning coffee as calmly as possible as I have a plan for what to do later this morning

OP posts:
Farcis · 14/10/2023 07:39

Another vote for Moorfields. They have an A&E.

King’s and Tommy’s also have eye A&Es I think but Moorfield’s definitely your best bet.

Anselma · 14/10/2023 07:49

Riverlee · 14/10/2023 07:35

If you suspect a detached retina, go to a and e.

A&E was the obvious place to go when I suddenly had flashing lights in one eye on a Sunday evening. I knew it was probably a retinal tear and there was a risk of retinal detachment and blindness so it was an emergency.
Long wait in A&E, but after laser repair of the tear I was fine.

Original poster
SquirmOfEels · 14/10/2023 07:51

Thanks again - as I couldn't calm down with my coffee, I rang the number for Moorfields A&E (the helpline is Mon-Fri only) and spoke to a staff member there who has said I should go to their A&E, which I will do this morning

(They're a bit ferocious online about only seeing emergencies, not all OOH eye issues. Yes, this counts as an emergency and needs to be seen today)

OP posts:
rose69 · 14/10/2023 07:53

St George’s also has an eye clinic. Hope you are ok

HarryBlackberry1 · 14/10/2023 08:08

I had this not long ago, and I i was panicking. I went to an optician and they saw me immediately. It was vitreous detachment, so try not to worry, it could just be this.

Steev · 14/10/2023 09:04

HarryBlackberry1 · 14/10/2023 08:08

I had this not long ago, and I i was panicking. I went to an optician and they saw me immediately. It was vitreous detachment, so try not to worry, it could just be this.

I have this too, did they do anything for you? They told me it's not really treatable but the black floaters drive me nuts

Original poster
SquirmOfEels · 14/10/2023 16:34

Again, thanks for all the help earlier

It was a vitreous detachment, not a retina problem and no treatment needed

The service at Moorfields is amazingly good!

OP posts:
NeedWineNow · 14/10/2023 16:43

Glad to hear all well OP. I belatedly came on to say that I had something similar when I was in work in the City. I popped round to our local Boots opticians, who referred me to Moorfields. I went back to work, had a video con with Moorfields who told me to come straight in to them. They were brilliant and told me that it was nothing to worry about there and then (mine was vitreous detachment as well).

Ameni · 14/10/2023 17:13

if you google your question it comes up

Moorfields A&E department is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We are based in Moorfields Eye Hospital, City Road 162 City Road, London, EC1V 2PD.

KnittedCardi · 14/10/2023 17:18

Another one with vitreous detachment.... And yes, the floaters are extremely annoying. Particularly bad when I am tired. You do get used to them though, and kind of see past them!

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