Optical Centre

Eye Emergencies

We offer emergency eyecare appointments in all our practices for patients with urgent/acute eye problems. When phoning our practices, you will be triaged by one of our Optometrists and then an appointment is usually offered within 24 hours. 

These acute/emergency appointments are free of charge to the patient as the cost of the appointment is covered by the Eye Health Examination Wales (EHEW) scheme. These examinations are not the same as a routine eye examination appointment, instead they are examinations specifically tailored to address the acute presenting symptoms.

Eye Health Examinations Wales (EHEW) were introduced by the Welsh Assembly Government to target those at risk of developing eye diseases. The aim is to detect early signs to prevent the development or progression of eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration. This examination has developed overtime and now includes patients presenting with acute eye problems. Optometrists are highly trained medical professionals that have specialist knowledge of the eye and associated conditions. They are the ‘GP of the Eye’ and should be the first point of contact for patients with Acute Eye Problems as they have the latest and most up-to-date equipment which is not available in doctor surgeries. 

You can self-refer for these examinations, or you may be referred by your GP, Pharmacist, or other health professional. The Eye Health Examination Wales scheme also offers a more detailed eye examination compared to a standard eye examination which is available free of charge to those patients identified as being at higher risk of developing eye disease. We offer these extended eye examinations in all our practices and all our Optometrists are accredited to provide EHEW examinations.

If you are experiencing any acute eye problems, please do not hesitate to contact one of our practices to arrange an appointment. Please contact us via telephone on the phone numbers provided below. Please DO NOT fill out the appointment request form on the website if you are experiencing acute eye problems. It is important that acute eye problems are examined as soon as possible, and requests submitted via our online form may take slightly longer to be reviewed than if you were to call your desired practice on our landlines. 

Contact numbers for our practices:

Low Vision Assessments

The Low Vision Service Wales scheme was introduced by the Welsh Assembly Government to provide those with reduced levels of vision with a detailed low vision assessment, as well as the provision of low vision aids to help them to overcome such difficulties as reading, watching television, daily living skills and general mobility problems.

The scheme uses a multi-disciplinary approach, making use of the skills of Optometrists accredited on the scheme, as well as specialist social workers and rehabilitation officers.

We have three Optometrists who have undertaken specialist training and are currently accredited on this scheme. This assessment is offered free of charge at all our practices or can also be offered as a home visit appointment for those patients that are unable to attend one of our practices due to physical or mental impairment.

To be part of the scheme, you can refer yourself or be referred to an accredited Optometrist by any of the following:

• An Optometrist
• Social Services
• Community Services
• An Ophthalmologist

For more information about the Low Vision assessments or to arrange an appointment please call your desired practices or fill out our appointment request form