PATIENT INFORMATION - Waltham Forest MECS

MECS is an NHS funded service available to all patients aged 10 and over registered with a Waltham Forest GP. The service is designed for the assessment and treatment of recently occurring medical eye conditions.

The service is provided by local optometrists with the specialist knowledge and skills to carry out this work. Details of optometrists providing the service can be found by scrolling down the page.

The service does not replace the routine eye examination, eye tests or prescriptions for spectacles and a sight test will not be performed as part of the assessment or treatment and you will not be issued with a prescription for spectacles.

The service is designed for recently occurring medical eye conditions
such as:

• Red eye(s)

• Signifcant recent discharge from or watering from the eye

• Mild trauma, for example a scratch to the outer surface of the eye(s) or lid(s)

• Suspected foreign body in the eye

• Mild pain and/or discomfort in the eyes

If you have sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, considerable eye pain or trauma, chemical injury or burns or recent eye surgery you should go directly to an A & E department.

You can be referred by your GP practice – you may only need a leaflet stamped by the receptionist. You can also contact an approved optometrist directly (self-refer) and make an appointment. Ask to be seen under the minor eye condition service. Appointments are available during normal working hours and you will normally be seen within 48 hours or 24 hours for more urgent conditions.

You are free to contact any of the approved optometrists. However, only approved optometrists can provide this service on the NHS so it may not be your normal optometrist.