AN OPTICIANS in Redditch is reminding the community of the eye health services it provides on behalf of the NHS which can save unnecessary trips to the GP or hospital Emergency Department for this type of care.
Optometrists on the high street form part of primary care, in being the first point of contact for a range of sudden onset eye conditions or concerns in the same way that GPs cover broader aspects of health.
Anyone experiencing pain, discomfort, redness, sudden changes or flashes of light in their vision, among other symptoms, is encouraged to contact their opticians in the first instance.
The store in Redditch Sainsbury’s can detect and manage a huge range of eye conditions including red eye, dry eye and floaters in the vision. Help with more complex conditions will be discussed on a case-by-case basis.
Specsavers Redditch Sainsbury’s store director James Worton said: “Regular eye tests with your optician, at least once every two years, are vital to keep on top of your overall eye health and to detect signs of any serious conditions earlier when they are more treatable.
“But aside of maintaining that good eye care routine, minor eye issues such as conjunctivitis or dry eye, can crop up at any time.
“Our message is clear – if your eyes aren’t feeling right, an optician should always be your first port of call.
“Don’t just assume you need to go to your hospital or GP, especially at this time when the NHS is under unprecedented pressure.
“At Specsavers patients benefit from quick access to appointments at convenient times and locations, with same day availability for conditions that need urgent intervention.”
NHS eye health clinics are available in most Specsavers stores nationwide, with the opticians having provided more than one million appointments for patients with minor eye conditions in 2022.
Where services are provided on behalf of the NHS, there is no cost to the customer.
Appointments can be booked at short notice with availability seven days a week.
