Emergency Eye Problems / MECS
If you are experiencing an eye emergency, call us immediately: 01207 505 151
When to Seek Urgent Eye Care
Do not wait for a routine appointment if you have any of the following symptoms — prompt treatment can make the difference in protecting your sight.
- Sudden loss of vision — partial or complete, in one or both eyes
- Eye injury — chemical splash, foreign object, or physical trauma
- Sudden flashes or floaters — especially with a shadow or curtain across your vision (possible retinal detachment)
- Severe eye pain — particularly with nausea, headache, or halos around lights (possible acute glaucoma)
- Acutely red and painful eye — with or without discharge
- Sudden double vision
- Sudden swollen or drooping eyelid
What to Do
- Call us first: 01207 505 151 — we will advise you and see you as quickly as possible.
- Chemical splash: Irrigate with clean running water for at least 20 minutes, then call us or go to A&E.
- Foreign body: Do not rub your eye. Call us so we can safely assess and remove it.
- Out of hours: Go to your nearest A&E or call NHS 111.
Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS)
Consett Eyecare is a participant of the Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS), for patients registered with a County Durham GP.
You may be eligible for a MECS appointment if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Red eye
- Dry, gritty or uncomfortable eyes
- Eye irritation and inflammation
- A lot of recent discharge from the eye or watery eye
- Recently occurring flashes or floaters
- Painful eye
- Ingrowing lashes
- Recent and sudden loss of vision
- Foreign body in the eye
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, please contact the practice on 01207 505 151. You will be triaged by an experienced member of the team to determine whether you are eligible for a MECS appointment and how urgently you need to be seen.
Please note that some conditions are time-sensitive. If this applies to you, you will be advised to attend the hospital emergency department without delay. A MECS appointment is not guaranteed — if we are not able to accommodate you, we will offer an alternative solution.
To learn more about the service, please visit the Primary Eye Care — find a practice.