Welsh Eye Care Scheme
Urgent, NHS-funded eye examinations, free of charge, and with no need to see your GP first.
Free NHS eye examinations for urgent eye problems
The Welsh Government funds eye care that goes well beyond the routine sight test. Under what has long been known as the Welsh Eye Care Scheme (and formerly Eye Health Examination Wales), now delivered as part of the Wales General Ophthalmic Services (WGOS), anyone in Wales with a sudden or urgent eye problem can be examined free of charge by an accredited optometrist.
You do not need to see your GP first: you can refer yourself simply by contacting us. We have the specialist equipment and expertise to assess the problem, provide or arrange treatment, and refer you onward if necessary.
An eye health examination is different to, and more in-depth than, a routine sight test, so it may take a little longer. If medication is needed, it can often be provided by an independent prescribing optometrist or through your local pharmacy under the common ailments scheme.
Contact us straightaway if you have:
- A minor eye injury
- A red eye
- A painful eye
- Something in your eye (a foreign body)
- Sudden loss of vision or a sudden change in vision
- New flashes or floaters
You may also qualify for a free examination if you:
- have been referred by your GP because of an eye problem
- have sight in one eye only
- are profoundly deaf
- suffer from retinitis pigmentosa
- have Black African, Black Caribbean, Indian, Pakistani or Bangladeshi family origins
- are otherwise at risk of eye disease because of your family history or background
Worried about a sudden change in your eyes?
Do not wait. Some eye conditions can lead to sight loss, but caught early, sight loss can often be avoided. Call us straightaway on 01443 223 712 and we will advise you.
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