Kent Urgent Eye Care Finder

About APCOS

APCOS is an NHS-funded service available to all patients registered with a Kent GP.

The service is delivered by Specialist Clinicians (Independent Prescribing Optometrists, Ophthalmologists or GPs with specialist interest in ophthalmology) from select Specialist Optometry practices in the community.

Patients can self refer to the APCOS service by calling their closest provider practice but may also be referred to the service by their GP, optician, local hospital or NHS 111.

The service provides patients experiencing recently occurring medical eye conditions with appropriate treatment closer to home.

Find Your Nearest APCOS Practice

Enter your postcode to find the nearest practice providing treatment for recently occurring medical eye conditions

APCOS 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 APCOS

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 that is being monitored by the hospital eye service or your GP, such as cataracts, glaucoma or dry eye, this will not be covered under APCOS.

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