Castlereagh 
Medical Centre

Eye problems? 

This is a service provided by opticians for patients who develop a sudden eye problem. Optometrists in your local opticians are experts in visual health, and have a wide variety of equipment to diagnose eye problems.

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THE PEARS NI SCHEME

All new visual issues, ideally, should be seen by your optician first.

They can treat a wide number of eye problems.

They can refer directly to the eye doctors in the hospital if required.

They can refer you back to the GP if required.

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Examples of conditions they see:

- Red Eye(s)

- Pain and/or discomfort around the eye area, or in the eye

- Sudden deterioration or reduction in vision in one or both eyes

- Recent onset or sudden increase of flashes and/or floaters

- Suspected foreign body in the eye

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Please bear in mind, you might have to phone a few opticians for same-day availability, or an appointment that suits your schedule. 

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Please see here for more information

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For all other issues that might involve your vision, including headache, it is usually best to have your vision checked by an optician before seeing your GP as this can aid diagnosis/treatment. Please bring with you any information/diagnostics that your optician has given you after your assessment.

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You are reminded of the visual standards for DRIVING in the UK and the relevant laws, here.

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