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Eye Test Glasses

EMERGENCY AND URGENT EYECARE

Fast, professional help for sudden eye problems

Darlington Opticians provides urgent and emergency eyecare, delivered by accredited opticians trained to assess and manage a wide range of acute eye conditions.

This service is available at both Merthyr Tydfil and Tredegar practices.

 

If you have any of the following symptoms, contact us immediately:

  • Sudden loss or marked reduction of vision

  • New flashes of light or a sudden increase in floaters

  • Severe eye pain or a painful, red eye

  • Sudden onset of double vision

  • Red or sticky eyes

  • Severe dryness or discomfort

  • Chemical splash to the eye

  • Eye injury or a foreign body in the eye

  • Severe sensitivity to light (photophobia)

  • Contact Lens complications

 

How to contact us and triage

Call us first so we can triage your symptoms and advise the most appropriate place for assessment.

When you call we will carry out a brief clinical triage to determine urgency. If your condition meets the WGOS criteria for urgent care we will arrange the appropriate NHS pathway.

 

Important travel and consent information

Do not drive to your appointment as we may have to use drops to dilate your pupils.

  • Dilation drops can blur vision and increase light sensitivity for several hours.

  • Please arrange alternative transport or a companion to drive you home.

  • We will explain any tests or treatments and obtain informed consent before proceeding.

 

What happens during an urgent eyecare appointment

Our accredited optometrists will:

  • Assess your symptoms

  • Examine the front and back of the eye

  • Use advanced diagnostic tools (including OCT where needed)

  • Provide immediate treatment where appropriate

  • If hospital care is required, we will make an urgent referral to the hospital eye service and give clear instructions about where to go.

  • We will document the consultation and, where appropriate, notify your GP to support continuity of care.

  • Offer follow‑up care under NHS Wales pathways

 

If we are closed or your symptoms are severe

  • For sudden vision loss, severe trauma, or chemical injury, attend your nearest A&E / hospital eye casualty immediately. Do not delay.

  • If we are closed, please try another local optometry practice; many local practices provide urgent assessment under WECS/EHEW.

  • If you cannot access a local practice and your symptoms are urgent but not life‑threatening, contact NHS 111 for advice on the nearest urgent eye service.

  • If you are unhappy with care, our Complaints Policy explains how to raise concerns and the timescales for response.

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