Our community optometrists are committed to delivering a specialised service known as the Minor Eye Condition Service (MECS). This service ensures that patients receive timely and appropriate care from the right professionals, in the right place. The goal is to manage conditions within the primary care setting whenever it is safely feasible, thus minimising unnecessary referrals to hospitals. What is MECS? MECS is designed to address minor eye conditions and is primarily delivered by community optometrists. While not an exhaustive list, the service covers a range of primary care treatable conditions, including: Sudden or recent onset of blurred vision (considering the appropriateness of a sight test) Ocular pain or discomfort Systematic diseases affecting the eye Red-eye (with a differential diagnosis) Foreign body and emergency contact lens removal (excluding fitting practitioners) Dry eye/painful eye Epiphora (watery eye) Trichiasis (in-growing eyelashes) Differential diagnosis of lumps and bumps near the eye Recent onset of Diplopia Flashes/floaters Retinal lesions Service user reported field defects. How do I make an appointment? The availability of MECS varies by location. Not all areas in England have commissioned the Minor Eye Conditions Scheme. To check how the scheme operates in your area and identify participating opticians, reach out to CHEC directly to enquire. Patient Testimonials Superb cataract surgery Exquisite and exemplary cataract customer service from booking to surgery follow-up appointments. The staff throughout both procedures have been extremely supportive, professional, and compassionate. Keith R Whitburn Excellent practice The nurse clearly explained what checks she was about to carry out and made me feel relaxed during the process. Trevor Wood Fantastic service I was terrified of undergoing the procedure, but the Endoscopist and the nurses present were wonderful and made an uncomfortable procedure as pleasant as possible. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of you who were present. Gayle Taylor Credit to the NHS Fantastic staff from entering the building to leaving. Everybody was friendly, confident and couldn't have asked for anymore from them. A genuine credit to the NHS. Gareth Great service The service and treatment were outstanding, with no long waiting time for an appointment. Following my consultation, I was given an appointment the next day to have my cataract removed. What a great service. John Elliott Excellent (CHEC Warrington) It was a very quick process from the consultation to the procedure. Very friendly and helpful staff. Helen C Faultless care (CHEC Warrington) My 2nd cataract surgery was, in my opinion, a superb example of patient care. My surgeon and all the other staff were great ambassadors for CHEC. John Dunbavand Superb I just had my cataract surgery at CHEC. Despite my nerves, the staff were reassuring and made me feel comfortable. The surgery was quick, I was kept informed at every stage which was great. I cannot recommend CHEC highly enough. Gill Couldn’t fault them As soon as I arrived, I was made to feel at ease. All staff were friendly but professional, they couldn’t have been any better. I now have no fear in returning to continue my treatment. Linda S Excellent practice This was my first visit to CHEC, the Reception staff were extremely helpful and polite. All the other staff were very pleasant and made you feel welcome to be there, credit to you all. Linda James Lovely Staff Welcoming, friendly, attentive, efficient, and above all, patient. Having my eyes tested at this practice provided excellent service at a time when one might wonder why these tests are necessary. Thanks to the staff I met today. Kevin Johnson Absolutely brilliant at Ilford The staff at Ilford were excellent. The nurses explained my procedure step by step, and when I met with the doctor, they were very welcoming and made me feel comfortable. Thank you so much. Barbara Murphy Friendly staff at Ilford Clinic The staff are all very friendly, very kind and very smiley. I had a good experience, and I would definitely recommend Ilford practice to friends and family. Raahim Fantastic service I had my second cataract procedure at CHEC in Blackpool today. Once again l was impressed by the kindness, helpfulness, good humour, and professionalism of everybody who works there. Thank you. Graham Jones Amazing experience I had a laser capsulotomy treatment in Stevenage on Monday 26th February. I was in and out of the treatment centre in under 10 minutes. All instructions were easy to follow with astonishing results. Well-done and thank you. S Frost Great and very patient focused The staff were brilliant at each stage which made the entire process calming, from consultation through to the surgery. The receptionists were fantastic. Kim All very professional and competent! I found the whole process to be highly professional and competent and would therefore recommend this organisation without reservation to anyone who needs cataract surgery. Nigel Morgan Wonderful stress-free experience I was made to feel relaxed from the moment we arrived by all the amazing staff. I wish other medical institutions were like this. Thank you. K.R. Great practice All the staff were attentive, polite and friendly. They listened to my individual needs and took great care of me. Mary Dyas Efficient service Really quick referral and appointment at CHEC Stockport. Lovely staff. Efficient and timely appropriate medical care. Responsive follow up. Premises are really clean and a pleasant experience at a worrying time of a health issue involving eyesight. Excellent care thank you! Richard Very pleased I am very pleased with the service at CHEC, it is absolutely first-class. From the receptionists, the way I was treated and having the operation done was good. Since having the operation my vision has been very good. Anonymous Fantastic experience The whole process has been very fast and exceeded my expectations. The staff are all very friendly and professional. I am very pleased with CHEC Northampton. Anonymous Great practice I’m amazed by the quick, efficient service and ecstatic about the results. I now see car number plates, road signs, and TV text bright and clearly, with everything appearing detailed. This is the best birthday present ever. Thank you so much, please don’t change a thing. Marian Curran