Oxfordshire Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS)

The Oxfordshire Minor Eye Conditions’ Service (MECS) provides assessment and treatment for people who are registered with an Oxfordshire GP and have recently occurring minor eye conditions.

This service is provided by MECS accredited optometrists (also known as opticians) across Oxfordshire who have specialist knowledge, equipment, training and skills.

Find your nearest participating practice

Minor eye conditions that can be treated by the service include but are not limited to:

• Red eye or eyelids
• Dry, gritty, irritable and uncomfortable eyes
• Significant recent sticky or watery discharge from the eye
• Recently occurring flashes and/or floaters
• Painful eye including pain with bright lights
• Ingrowing eyelashes
• Recent and sudden change in vision
• Foreign body in the eye
• Unusual eye appearance (lumps and bumps)

Please note this is not an eyesight test.

You will not be eligible for a MECS appointment if you:

• Do not have an Oxfordshire GP. Although similar services do operate for those registered with GP surgeries in other areas – please check with your GP surgery.
• Are under the age of 6.
• Have had the condition for longer than 6 weeks.
• Wear contact lenses and believe the condition is related to your use of them (please contact your regular contact lens Optician).

If you are unsure whether your symptoms can be assessed and treated by the service, please call the Oxford Eye hospitals eye casualty triage line, 01865 234567, NHS 111 or contact one of the participating optometry practices who will advise you.

Please note: If you have an eye condition that is being regularly monitored by your optometrist or hospital eye service, this will not be covered by MECS; for example cataracts, diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma or you have an eye condition that has been seen under the MECS service within the last 6 months, this will not be covered by MECS