Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS)
For patients who are registered with a NCL GP, with a recent onset eye problem (e.g. red/sore eyes, flashes/floaters, visual disturbances.)
Designed to manage minor eye conditions that are not suitable for an NHS sight test and to reduce referrals to GP, A&E and Ophthalmology.
Open to all ages (children under 16 must attend with an adult). Please note that eligibility- particularly for minimum age may vary for contracts held outside of NC London.
Patients may self refer or be signposted by GP practices, 111, pharmacy, hospital services or other optometrists.
Examples of symptoms suitable for a MECS assessment include recent symptoms of (this list is not exhaustive):
· Ocular pain
· Red eyes
· Lumps and bumps in periocular area
· Flashes and floaters -recent onset
· Sudden or transient loss of vision
· Epiphora
· Trichiasis
· Suspected foreign bodies and emergency contact lens removal (not by the fitting practitioner)
What is not appropriate for MECS
Severe or sight threatening conditions requiring emergency hospital care e.g. penetrating injuries, chemical burns, suspected temporal arteritis
Patients already under active monitoring by the HES or another specialist service e.g. glaucoma, cataract, diabetic retinopathy
Patients requiring a routine NHS sight test
Very minor symptoms suitable for self care advice (this will be triaged accordingly)
Triage and Screening
Ask the patient to telephone a MECS accredited optometry practice of their choice, for triage and an appointment.
MECS is not a walk-in service
MECS screening and triage may be completed either by telephone or in person.
Appointment urgency and timescales are determined using OPERA and PES guidance
For further information about the service, please visit the Primary Eyecare Services website. https://primaryeyecare.co.uk or see the attached link MECS NCL Summary Page PES
Accreditation Requirements
Practitioners delivering MECS must have:
· WOPEC MECS Accreditation (Distance Learning and OSCE)
· Safeguarding Children and Adults Level 1 and Level 2 training
· Enhanced DBS certification