Appointments for emergency eye conditions would previously have been funded by the Primary Care Trust (now Clinical Commissioning Group) through a contract with First Choice Eyecare. Patients reporting with problems have generally been seen the same day and without any charge. We are extremely disappointed to say that we are now unable to offer this free service to our patients as the local CCG's have opted to select an alternative provider which does not provide emergency treatment.
This service has not been withdrawn due to any performance issues, but simply because the CCG have procured a different type of scheme. We hope we have provided all our patients with a high standard of care over the years and would like to continue doing this. However, as we will no longer be funded by the NHS to do this, we will have to charge privately for appointments.
This service has not been withdrawn due to any performance issues, but simply because the CCG have procured a different type of scheme. We hope we have provided all our patients with a high standard of care over the years and would like to continue doing this. However, as we will no longer be funded by the NHS to do this, we will have to charge privately for appointments.
The charges at our practice are as follows:
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For minor issues that DO NOT require dilation and/or OCT retinal investigation
For issues that DO require dilation and/or OCT retinal investigation (flashes & floaters / sudden loss of vision / eye pain etc) |
£30.00
£55.00 |
Please be aware that during the course of the examination, it will be the decision of the Optometrist as to whether dilation or OCT scans are necessary.
Alternatively we would advise you to see your GP in order to be referred into the new service at one of the three locations across Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre. The contract for providing General Ophthalmic Services for sight tests is not an approved process of seeing patients for emergency eye conditions.
IMPORTANT: Some conditions may require more urgent attention. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms we would recommend that you visit the local A&E department as we would consider these symptoms to be an ocular emergency requiring same day investigation:
IMPORTANT: Some conditions may require more urgent attention. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms we would recommend that you visit the local A&E department as we would consider these symptoms to be an ocular emergency requiring same day investigation:
- Flashes and/or floaters
- Sudden loss of vision
- Red / Painful eye
Some of the reasons why you may need an emergency appointment:
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