Optometry (Wales Eye Care Services (WECS))
The Wales Eye Care Service was set up to help minimise sight loss in Wales by means of the Low Vision Service Wales Scheme and detecting eye problems through the Eye Health Examination Wales EHEW scheme.
EHEW is an extended eye care service which is free at the point of access for patients and demonstrates the principles of prudent health care and enables patients to access eye care services closer to their home.
Patients are able to access the EHEW service in a primary care optometry practice if they have an eye problem they feel needs urgent investigation, rather than attending a GP practice, Emergency Department (A & E) or an Eye Department in a hospital.
What problems can they help with?
- Reduction in vision in one or both eyes
- Red eye(s)
- Pain and/or discomfort in the eyes, around the eye area or templates
- Recent onset or sudden increase of flashes and or floaters in one or both eyes
- Suspected foreign body in the eye.
What problems can’t they help with?
Urgent eye conditions that should be directed to A&E:
- Suspected burn/penetrating or blunt force injury
- High velocity foreign body
- Sudden total loss vision <3 hours
- Pain 8-10 with no relief from analgesia
- Extremely red eye with vision loss.
How to access the service?
Patients can self-present. Receptionists and GPs can also make referrals.
Contact details
For further information on the Wales Eye Care Service click here http://www.eyecare.wales.nhs.uk/eye-health-examination-wales .
For further information about health information and local services in Wales, please visit the NHS 111 Wales Website (opens in new window). You can search for your nearest service by entering the details into the “services near you” section.
You will also find information on a range of health conditions, advice on living well and you can check your symptoms using “Check Your Symptoms”.