MECS Service
The Wolverhampton Minor Eye Complaints Service (MECS) is a free service that provides assessment and treatment for people with recently occurring minor eye conditions. Our optometrists are MECS accredited with the specialist knowledge, training and skills to provide treatment for minor eye conditions that include:
- Red eye or eyelids
- Dry eye, gritty and uncomfortable eyes
- Irritation and inflammation of the eye
- Significant recent sticky discharge from the eye or watery eye
- Recently occurring flashes and floaters
- Painful eye
- Ingrowing eyelashes
- Recent and sudden loss of vision
- Foreign body in the eye
If you are concerned about your eyes or eyesight, or if you are unsure whether your symptoms can be assessed and treated by the service, please contact us and we will be happy to advise you.
Please note this is not a sight test for glasses.
You should go to A&E first if you have
- Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Considerable eye pain
- Significant trauma such as penetrating injury or lacerations to the eye or eyelid
- Chemical injury or burns
- Problems arising from recent eye surgery
You should go to A&E after 5pm and at weekends, if participating opticians are closed and you need urgent advice.
NOTE: If you have an eye condition that is already being regularly monitored by your optometrist or hospital eye service, this will not be covered by MECS; for example cataracts, diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma.
Who is the service for?
The service is for people registered with a Wolverhampton GP or who live at an address that means you pay council tax to Wolverhampton City Council. It is for people of all ages – adults and children. Children under 16 years must be accompanied at their appointment by an adult.
How do I book an appointment with the service?
If you feel that you require an urgent appointment, you can call us on 01902 420348 as a self-referral. Please note that we will have to ask some questions about your symptoms in order to assess how quickly you need to be seen by the service. Depending on your symptoms, you will be seen within 24 or 48 hours. Appointments are available during normal working hours, even on Saturdays.
What happens next?
- If your condition is more serious, we will book you an urgent appointment at the Eye Infirmary
- If you need a routine appointment with a hospital, then we will make a referral for you
- If your eye condition is related to your general health, you may be advised to make an appointment with your GP
- If you need medication, you may be advised to contact your local pharmacist. For some medications, we can provide you with a prescription to take with you to the pharmacist.
Please note that, depending on your symptoms we may have to use eye drops to dilate your pupils, which can result in blurred vision until the drops wear off. This effect can last a few hours so we recommend that you do not drive, or if possible bring someone with you to your appointment. If you have any concerns regarding this we can answer any queries when you call.