New sites for sore eyes

People in the Rochdale borough can now benefit from a new minor eye conditions service.

The service sees local opticians providing treatment for eye conditions including red eye or eyelids, dry eye or uncomfortable eyes, irritation and inflammation of the eye, flashes and floaters, in-growing eyelashes or sudden loss of vision.

People with these eye symptoms can make an appointment directly with participating optometrists. This will help free up GPs to see other patients and reduce the demand for urgent hospital appointments.

Major eye conditions such as cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma will continue to be referred for specialist treatment at the appropriate setting.

Dr Lynn Hampson, local GP and clinical lead for acute care and community services at NHS HMR CCG, said: “The introduction of a dedicated service that allows people with minor eye conditions to refer themselves to a local optician will help ensure people received fast, expert treatment while releasing valuable GP appointments and reducing the need for urgent hospital appointments.

“The optometrists taking part in the scheme are specially trained to provide people in Rochdale with a first class eye service.”

Wendy Craven, owner of Craven & Murray Opticians, helped to spearhead a campaign to make specialist eye care services delivered by opticians accessible to patients living within the Rochdale borough.

Wendy Craven said: “We have worked extremely hard as a committee to get this fantastic initiative up and running in Heywood, Middleton & Rochdale and its great news that patients are now able to access the treatment they require, directly from accredited opticians.

“The MECS means patients can receive specialist NHS assessment and treatment, usually within 24 hours, and without having to wait for an appointment to see their GP, which is great news for all the people living in our area.”

For full details of the service, how to access it and which opticians are taking part, visit www.hmrmecs.co.uk or pick up a leaflet from your GP practice or local pharmacy.