Opticians for eye pain/ soreness or does it have to be GP?

[TheMidnightLibrary]

I can’t get a GP appointment soon, so wondered if my opticians can check out my eye? It’s more a case of setting my mind to rest about it not being anything too serious.

I always go to the opticians, they can refer you straight away to the local eye clinic as well.

Yes they will!! They cannot prescribe as such but they can organise a prescription via your GP. They are also better placed to examine your eye properly (ie. all the extra machines) for damage. And get you a quick appointment at the hospital needed.

Is it the lids, or the eye itself? But yes, I went to opticians years ago with what turned out to be a stye. They did a bloody eye test which I wasnt in the mood for and in the end sent me to pharmacy for some goldeneye which made it worse LOL

Our GP surgery encourages you to go to an optician rather than the doctor.

I’d definitely try the optician, they can refer you to nearest eye clinic if necessary. Also check if your local hospital has an eye A&E.

Forgot to say you'd have to pay the optician, not so any a&e eye depts, but you'd be sitting there for hours probably.

I had this a couple of weeks ago! I was able to book a MECS appointment (minor eye conditions service) and get seen the same day at a local optician. There were no NHS appts left so I had to pay £22 but I was more than happy to.

She diagnosed a corneal abrasion and told me to get antibiotic ointment and some drops then saw me again in 4 days. It wasn’t quite healed so seeing her again on Friday. No charge for the follow up appts.

Last time I had this, my GP wouldn't see me and told me to go via MECS. Worked very well. There's not much a GP can do really.

Thank you everyone. I’ll phone my opticians tomorrow and make an appointment.