GP or optometrist again?

[Forgetmenotblue]

Been to the opticians several times with painful eyes. Sent to local hospital with emergency appointment for suspected optic neuritis. Hospital says no, it's just very bad dry eye. Prescribed artificial tears and some drops.

Eyes still painful, gritty, twitchy eyelids, feels swollen, bright light is painful.....been back to opticians twice and no further progress, this is now since March this year.

Is it time to see the GP instead? Or are Optoms more experienced?

Thoroughly fed up and headachy with sore eyes !

I'd go to your GP. He may want to refer you back to the hospital for a second opinion.

Thanks... I think I will, I definitely don't feel right in my eyes.

I would say the opticians are better for this in my opinion, but see how you get on via your GP. The optician specialises in eyes, GPs are general practitioners.

maybe try a different optometrist, they might provide an alternative diagnosis/treatment.

Does your hospital have a walk in eye casualty? If so I would go there. GP might re-refer you but they are very limited in what they can actually do to examine your eyes. If your optician can refer you to hospital then I would go back to your optician

My GP won't see you for eyes unless an optician has referred you. I'd try a different optician - I popped into Not my usual optician one afternoon & they saw me right away as an NHS patient. If you tell them it's not for an eye test they're usually quite good