People across Forth Valley who need emergency or essential eye care may now be able to see an optometrist in person as opticians are able to re-open from today (29^th June). The move sees the closure of the Emergency Eye Care Treatment Centres at Forth Valley Royal Hospital and at Stirling Health and Care Village which were set up on a temporary basis to ensure local people could continue to be seen for essential appointments within a safe environment.

The provision of routine eye care remains suspended however anyone with a painful red eye, lost or blurred vision, or any concerns about their eye health should contact their optometrist by telephone. They will be able to provide advice and arrange a face-to-face appointment, if necessary.

Emphasising that the re-opening is limited to treating emergency and essential conditions only at this stage, NHS Forth Valley Optometry Adviser, Charlotte Ward, said: “We have done our utmost to help our patients during this very difficult time and welcome this move forward which is not only good for our patients but also our optometry practices.”

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “The resumption of face-to-face care in optometry practices is an important step in the remobilisation of community eye care services.

“I wish to thank community optometry practices and staff for all the work they have done during the response to the pandemic, caring for patients remotely and staffing the Emergency Eyecare Treatment Centres.

“They are key to the delivery of eye care in Scotland, and have demonstrated they are a vital and valued part of the wider health service.”

Essential eye care is defined as appointments for patients who would not normally be considered as emergencies but where a delay in examination may be detrimental to their sight and wellbeing.