Eye Emergency During Lockdown, Call My Optician?

In line with Scottish Government regulations, opticians are not available for routine eye tests during the lockdown period. However, if you have an emergency, we are here to help. If you are experiencing an eye emergency, the short answer is to call your optician, immediately. If your condition requires more than a phone call for resolution, your optician will guide you through the escalation process put in place by NHS Scotland. We’ve given an overview of the process below and some idea of what to expect.

Step 1: Call Your Optician

Your optician should always be your first call when you have an eye emergency. They are in the best position to assist you and advise you of any further steps you need to take. By calling your existing optician, you are giving yourself the best chance since they have access to your current eye records and history. This can be advantageous when diagnosing conditions and proposing treatment.

---

If Condron Optical is your optician in East Kilbride, call us on

01355 233677

---

Your optician will assess your condition and provide a solution over the phone if possible. If treatment or further examination is required, your optician may need to pass you onto an Independent Prescribing (IP) Optician.

Step 2: IP Optician Triage

If your optician is IP qualified, triage will take place on the same phone call as step 1. If not, your optician will arrange a phone call with your local IP optician.

Independent Prescribing enables optometrists to clinically assess a patient, establish a diagnosis, determine the clinical management required and prescribe where necessary.

IP opticians can prescribe licensed medicine for conditions affecting the eye, and the tissues surrounding it.

The IP optician will attempt to resolve your issue over the phone, including prescribing medicine if required. If your condition cannot be resolved with prescribed medicine or requires further examination, the IP optician will arrange an in person appointment at your local Emergency Eyecare Treatment Centre (EETC). 

Step 3: Emergency Eye Examination

Local Emergency Eyecare Treatment Centres have been setup by the NHS to handle in person emergency eye examinations by appointment only. They have robust processes in place which comply with the latest regulations on cleanliness and social distancing.

When you arrive at the Emergency Eyecare Treatment Centre, you will find a safe and clean environment. The optician will conduct an examination and attempt to diagnose and treat your condition.

In the unlikely event that your issue cannot be resolved at this stage, you will be referred to hospital for emergency treatment.

Step 4: Follow Treatment Plan 

Following your diagnosis and initial treatment, it is extremely important that you continue to follow any treatment plan given to you. In this moment in particular, it is so important that we look after ourselves and stay healthy. This gives us the best chance to fight any virus that may come our way and ensure we are at our best to help others around us.

Step 5: Stay Healthy, Stay Safe

It is unprecedented times. Stay home, stay healthy and stay safe. 

Look out for those around you and keep in touch with friends and family, health is more than physical.

Eye emergencies can be frightful at the best of times and understandably more so under current circumstances. Don’t panic, as we’re here for you to provide first class eye care, no matter the situation. The steps above outline the current process and give an indication of what to expect if you find yourself on the journey.

---

If you are a Condron Optical patient, you can reach us on 01355 233677, 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday. Alternatively, you can contact us via email. Our optician, Gerry, is an Independent Prescribing (IP) Optician and the Condron Optical practice in East Kilbride is a registered Eye Care Treatment Centre with the NHS. If you have an eye emergency, we are here for you.