An opticians in Glossop 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. 

High street Optometrists form part of primary care, 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. 

NHS funded eye health clinics are available in most Specsavers stores nationwide, with more than one million appointments provided 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. 

The Glossop store in High Street West 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 is discussed on a case-by-case basis. 

Specsavers Glossop optometrist director Paul Hodgson said: “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.  

He said patients benefit from quick access to appointments at convenient times and locations, with same day availability for conditions that need urgent intervention and if further care is needed beyond the opticians, swift referrals will be made. 

Specsavers’ Clinical Services Director Giles Edmonds adds: “Primary care optometry remains the frontline for people with urgent eye care needs.  

“Optometrists in community practice are experts in caring for patients with minor eye conditions. 

“For more complex conditions, optometrists specialising in independent prescribing are equipped to treat patients who would normally be seen in hospital-based Eye Casualty.  

“The expertise already exists within optometry to relieve pressure on our NHS hospitals and GPs by managing patients in the community.” 

To see which NHS services are available, contact the store. 

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