Free eye service piloted in Ely

A free service has been launched in Ely so that patients with minor eye issues can avoid travelling to hospital for appointments and treatment.
Spectacular Opticians (01353 659333, 7a High Street, Ely) is listed in the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Group’s new Minor Eye Service.
Under the NHS scheme, patients aged 16 or over who are registered with a GP practise in Ely or Fenland may be seen by an optometrist within the community after making an appointment.

Conditions that may be treated locally include some types of red eyes or eye lids, dry, gritty and uncomfortable eyes, irritated or inflamed eyes, sticky discharge or watery eyes, ingrown eyelashes, some types of flashes and recent and sudden loss of vision.
Major conditions that are being regularly monitored by an optometrist or hospital eye service, such as a cataract or glaucoma, are not covered by this service.
Other nearby opticians taking part in the pilot scheme include Spectacular Opticians in Chatteris, March, Newmarket and Downham Market and Anglia Ruskin University Eye Clinic in Cambridge.
It’s hoped that the service will be rolled out elsewhere in the future.
For a full list of opticians taking part click here.