
New data has revealed a growing number of residents are making the switch to NHS self-referrals to get quicker access to care.
Since February 2024, the Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS) has seen a growth of 34.8%¹ of people using their service. The service enables patients to get direct access to an optometrist to treat a range of minor eye conditions without needing an appointment with their GP practice.
The upward tick in people self-referring to services like the MECS is a trend welcomed by NHS Mid and South Essex which is encouraging even more residents to utilise self-referral services like this. By going direct, patients get the care they need more easily while also helping free-up busy GP surgeries and hospitals.
Optometrists are like GPs for your eyes. They have the right tools to check and treat eye problems. Our Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS) offers daily appointments and prioritises patients based on their symptoms. People with minor eye problems don’t need to see their GP or go to the hospital—they can get the care they need usually much quicker, and close to home at an accredited Opticians. MECS is an NHS-funded service that helps people see the right expert quickly and conveniently.
Emma Spofforth, Clinical Lead for the Essex Local Optical Committee (LOC)
The Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS) is ideal for residents experiencing minor eye problems, such as a red eye, painful eyes, dry gritty eyes, recently occurring flashes or floaters, discharge from the eye, sudden loss of vision or ingrowing lashes.
Recently, Rina from Essex woke with sore, swollen and gritty eyes. It was the weekend, and she was concerned she wouldn’t be able to get an appointment unless she went to A&E. She got the care she needed quickly via the Minor Eye Conditions Service and would recommend it to others.

I suffer from a history of recurrent corneal erosions following a fall which caused abrasions to my eyes. In the past I’ve had to go to London for eye treatment, so was worried I’d have to see someone out of GP hours. However, a friend told me about the MECS service, so I went online and got an appointment straight away with a locally-based optician. The service was so fast and efficient! The consultant was lovely and took an extensive history before examining my eyes. She made an assessment and suggested some treatment, and requested I come for a follow up in a couple of days to ensure the erosion had healed and no further treatment was needed. The service was great! I’d recommend it to anyone. It saved me so much time and effort and was reassuring, I could get the care I needed on my doorstep.
Opportunities to self-refer yourself for health services in mid and south Essex are growing for a wide range of health issues, from smoking cessation to physiotherapy to foot care.
Find out about MECS and other self-referral services in mid and south Essex