Urgent Eyecare Service
If you have recently developed a problem with your eyes, such as them being sore or red or if you have developed visual disturbances or sudden visual loss you can be assessed and treated by our local Urgent Eyecare Service (CUES). You need to call 0800 3169200 to access this service through the NHS.
- Red eye or eyelids, dry eye, or gritty and uncomfortable eyes
- Irritation and inflammation of the eye
- Significant recent sticky discharge from the eye or watery eye
- Recently occurring flashes or floaters
- Ingrowing eyelashes
- Recent and sudden loss of vision
- Foreign body in the eye
Please note: if you have a major eye condition that is being regularly monitored by your optometrist or hospital eye service, this will not be covered by this service; for example, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma.
Please call 0800 3169200 first, the service will assess your symptoms and organise suitable management for your problem. Appointments are available during normal working hours. Please do not come into practice without an appointment.
If you are registered with a Bedfordshire GP, or have no GP, you can use this free service. It is for people of all ages, children under 16 years must be accompanied at their appointment by an adult. If you are not registered with a Bedfordshire GP, we would advise that you contact your GP for an appointment, we can see you privately but this will be chargable
To make an appointment, please call 0800 3169200. You will be asked some questions about your symptoms in order to assess how quickly you need to be seen by the service, if possible, your problem may be helped with either a phone or video triage, if a face to face appointment is required we will try to see you within 24 hours in urgent cases and within a few days for routine appointments. We may get one of our optometrists to call you back and discuss your symptoms prior to making you an appointment.
Please bring your glasses and a list of your current medication with you to the appointment. The optometrist may put drops in your eyes to enlarge your pupils in order to get a better view inside your eyes. You should not drive until the effects of these drops have worn off, which may take a few hours.
If your condition is more serious, the optometrist will book you an urgent appointment at a hospital eye clinic. If you need a routine appointment with a hospital, the optometrist will organise this for you. You may also be advised to make an appointment with your GP if your eye condition is related to your general health.