Urgent Eye Care Finder

About This Service

We are building a UK-wide directory of optometry practices offering urgent, same-day eye care appointments — without the wait of an A&E or hospital eye clinic.

Every listed practice is staffed by a specialist clinician — an Independent Prescribing Optometrist, Ophthalmologist, or GP with a specialist interest in ophthalmology — qualified to assess and treat recently occurring eye conditions in the community.

You can access this service by:

Calling your nearest listed practice directly — no referral needed

NHS funding & charges

The majority of practices listed offer this service under an NHS-funded pathway — meaning no charge to the patient. However, local GP registration rules may apply, and some practices on this directory operate on a private-only basis.

Please check with your chosen practice regarding any fees before attending your appointment.

This service is for sudden or recently occurring eye problems only. It does not cover routine eye care, repeat prescriptions, or conditions already under the care of a hospital eye service (such as glaucoma, cataracts, or dry eye).

Find Your Nearest Practice

Enter your postcode to find the nearest practice providing urgent eye care

This service treats recently occurring symptoms:

Sudden and recent reduction in vision in one or both eyes
Red eye(s) or eyelids
Pain and/or discomfort in the eyes
Recent onset or sudden increase in flashes and/or floaters in one or both eyes
Mild trauma, for example a scratch to the outer surface of the eye or eyelid
Suspected foreign body in the eye
Recent onset of double vision
Significant recent discharge from or watering of the eye

NOT treated under this service

If you have any of the following conditions you must go directly to your nearest hospital emergency department:

Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
Considerable eye pain
Significant trauma, such as a penetrating injury
Chemical injury or burn
Problems arising from recent eye surgery* (refers to recent eye surgery in hospital eye service. If you are having complications after a procedure with one of the community providers, please try to contact them first before going to A&E)

Call 111 or go to A&E

Important Notes

If you have any condition being monitored by the hospital eye service or your GP, such as cataracts, glaucoma or dry eye, this will not be covered under this service.

Remember, you may not be able to drive immediately after the eye examination.