NHS MECS appointments for red eye and other eye problems

We now offer minor eye conditions service (MECS) paid for by the NHS

How to obtain fast local advise for your eyes:

The NHS MECS scheme stands for Minor Eye Care Services. This can be used for red eyes and other sudden problems. It is paid for by the NHS if you are registered with any GP near Colchester Essex, click here for a list

If you suffer from red eyes, gritty eyes, itchy eyes, sore eyes, painful eyes, watery eyes, blurry vision, or any of the eye problems below, please contact us today. You can contact us by phone to book your NHS MECS appointment. MECS is an enhanced Optometric service in Essex, provided by Primary eycare Ltd. Phone numbers at the top and bottom of this page, or you can email us here: contact us

You can contact us direct, you do not need a referral from your GP or other health care professional. If we are not able to offer you an appointment, unlikely, we will supply you with a list of other local providers.

The Minor Eye Care Service (MECS) is an excellent safe triage system for eye problems, it avoids having to sit in A&E for hours or wait for an extended period to see a local GP. MECS is an enhanced Optometric service in Essex, provided by Primary eycare Ltd.  MECS Optometrist are further qualified to provide this professional service and work in a well equiped consulting room.

In 2019 64000 patients were seen under MECS in England, only 12% had to be referred onward urgently to the eye clinic.

In 2020 there was a bakclog 23000 patients waiting to see the eye clinic for over one year. In 2019 the backlog was only 40 patients. This vast increase in patients waiting to be seen at the eye clinic is due to the reduced availability in the eye clinic due to the covid outbreak. This has resulted in fewer appointments available at the eye clinic, staff absence due to being covid positive and a historic high in vacancies. 

A recent study at Moorfields eye hospital confirmed that virtual assessment / triage is safe for eye care.

red eye subconjunctival haemorrhage
subconjunctival haemorrhage

Common eye problems as listed below can now be assessed and treated in Essex locally:

cornea dendritic ulcer NHS MECS appointment
cornea dendritic ulcer on eye

How do we deal with any referrals that need to be made:

We have an excellent interaction with our local eye clinic in Colchester. You can be referred for a second opinion to the local eye clinic if needed. this referral can also be directed to be urgent if you are at risk of sight loss. We can determine the urgency of your referral after an examination of your eyes at our practice.

We also offer advice over the phone, often after we have received an image of your eye. Use our contact page where we can help you further using email / txt and whatsapp.

Some referrals are made direct to your GP if the issue is related to your general health and not directly related to your eye sight. 

slit lamp image pigment on the anterior lens capsule
slit lamp image pigment on the anterior lens capsule

Received emails / reviews from patients who visited us under MECS

Covered by NHS MECS Scheme

When To See Simon Kleyn Optician - Optometrist

Make an appointment for an eye test / examination if you notice any changes in your vision. If you develop sudden vision changes, such as double vision or flashes of light, sudden eye pain, or sudden headache, call us straight away. 

Speak To Simon Kleyn Today

Speak to Simon Kleyn Optician – Optometrist to find out how we can help you find the best solution to your eye problems.

Simon Kleyn Opticians
Optometrist In Frinton On Sea & Earls Colne
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