How you can access urgent and routine eye health care with an NHS Wales optometrist
Urgent eye problems
If you have an eye problem that needs urgent attention, contact your local optometrist (optician) directly. Optometrists are qualified healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat eye health problems. Most optometry practices in Wales offer NHS eye health services. You can go to your usual practice or contact any high street optometrist offering NHS services.
If you have urgent eye problems out of hours, contact NHS 111 Wales.
NHS treatment for eye health problems is free. Examples of urgent eye problems include:
- sudden blurred or cloudy vision
- reduced vision
- flashing lights
- floaters or black dots in vision
- gritty or itchy eyes
- bloodshot, sore, or red eye
- headaches
- swollen or puffy eyelid
- scratched eye
- eye twitching
Regular eye tests and prevention
Regular eye tests catch problems early, protecting your sight and identifying serious conditions such as glaucoma, diabetes, and high blood pressure. You should have an eye test every 2 years, or more often if advised by a health professional.
Free NHS eye tests
NHS eye tests in Wales are free for:
- children up to the age of 16
- young people under the age of 19 in full-time education
NHS Wales also provides free glasses for children if needed.