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Eyes and Teeth

Advice and Information on what to do if you have concerns with your eyes or teeth

Eyes

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Minor Eye Conditions Service

What is the Minor Eye Conditions Service?

The Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS) provides assessment and treatment for people with recently occurring minor eye problems. It is an NHS service provided by accredited optometrists (also commonly called opticians) 

What Conditions Can Be Treated by the Service?

If you are experiencing:

  • Red eye or eyelids

  • Dry, gritty or uncomfortable eyes

  • Eye irritation and inflammation

  • A lot of recent discharge from the eye or watery eye

  • Recently occurring flashes or floaters

  • Painful eye

  • Ingrowing lashes

  • Recent and sudden loss of vision

  • Foreign body in the eye

You can arrange an appointment with an optometrist through the Minor Eye Conditions service.

In an emergency you should visit A and E for treatment

Teeth

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How can I access an NHS dentist in an emergency or out of hours?

Getting help from a dentist

Dentists are open for urgent and routine treatments. If you're registered with a dentist, you can contact the surgery by phone or in person.

You might have to wait for an appointment if it's not urgent.

If you need dental treatment in an emergency

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  • call a dentist: some surgeries offer urgent appointments at short notice

  • if you do not have a dentist, find one by calling NHS 111

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If you need to see a dentist out of hours

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  • call a dentist: their voicemail may advise where to get out-of-hours treatment

  • call NHS 111 to find an out-of-hours dental service near you

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Do not contact a GP, as they will not be able to offer emergency or out-of-hours dental care.

If you're in pain while waiting to see a dentist, take painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. NHS 111 can also offer other self-care advice.

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