People across Herefordshire and Powys with urgent eye problems will soon be able to access specialist care closer to home, as urgent eye care services move from Hereford County Hospital to a network of local optometry practices.
From November 3, Hereford County Hospital’s walk-in urgent eye care provision will transfer to community optometrists as part of the expansion of the Community Urgent Eyecare Service (CUES) in England and Welsh Eyecare Service (WECS), making it quicker and more convenient for many patients to receive expert assessment and treatment.
The Community Urgent Eyecare Service – which was first rolled out across England and Wales several years ago - provides FREE urgent assessment and treatment for a range of eye problems through a bookable appointment. Appointments are available to book at CUES/WECS across Herefordshire and Powys, including market towns, with varying opening days and times.
Tom Morgan-Jones, deputy chief medical officer at Wye Valley NHS Trust said: “The expansion of the Community Urgent Eyecare Services CUES and WECS provided at local optometrists has enabled us to transfer the hospital’s urgent eye care walk in service to locations across Herefordshire and Powys. This will make it easier for people to access this service closer to home and avoid unnecessary hospital attendances.
“If you have a recent onset or urgent eye problem, such as a sudden change in vision, flashes or floaters, minor eye injuries, eye pain/soreness including minor injuries, please phone your local Community Urgent Eyecare Service (CUES) or for Powys contact WECS optometrists. This service is free of charge and does not need to be with your regular optometrist.
“CUES/WECS optometrists will provide either self-care advice over the phone, a remote/in-person consultation, prescribed medication, or a direct referral to a hospital eye service if needed. If you have serious eye injury or need medical attention in an emergency, you should call NHS 111 or attend your local Emergency Department.”
CUES/WECS provides urgent assessment and treatment for a range of sudden or urgent eye problems, including:
- sudden changes in your vision
- flashes or floaters
- minor eye injuries
- Eye pain / soreness including when caused by minor injuries
- other recent onset eye problems
To find your nearest CUES providers in England visit www.primaryeyecare.co.uk and search for the accredited optometry practice in your area.
To find your nearest WECS provider in Powys visit www.wyevalley.nhs.uk (search ophthalmology)
Notes to Editors WVT:
- Wye Valley NHS Trust is a provider of health services across Herefordshire and beyond. The Trust exists to improve the wellbeing, independence and health of the people we serve.
- By working closely with our partners, we can make good our promise to deliver a quality of care we would want for ourselves, our families and our friends.
- With an estimated annual turnover of around £400 million, we employ around 4,000 staff. We aim to build new relationships between our staff, patients, service users and their carers with the wider community.
For further information please contact:
Fiona Gurney, communications officer, or John Burnett, Communication and Engagement Manager, Wye Valley NHS Trust: 01432 372928