STIRLING OPTICIANS BECOMES KETTERING'S ONLY INDEPENDENT PRACTICE TO JOIN NHS URGENT EYECARE SERVICE
From Monday 30th March, Kettering residents will be able to get urgent eye problems assessed quickly and for free at their local independent opticians — without visiting A&E or waiting for a GP appointment.
Stirling Opticians, based on Gold Street in Kettering town centre, is launching the Community Urgent Eyecare Service (CUES) on 30th March — making it the only independent opticians in Kettering to offer this NHS-funded service.
CUES allows patients to access rapid assessments for sudden-onset eye conditions at their local opticians. The service is free of charge, available to adults and children of all ages, and does not require a GP referral. More urgent cases will typically be seen within 24 hours.
The service covers a wide range of urgent symptoms, including:
• Sudden flashes or floaters
• A red or painful eye
• Sudden changes in vision
• Foreign bodies in the eye
• Minor eye injuries
Speaking about joining the scheme, Mr Suhel Dudha (Manager) at Stirling Opticians, said:
"We're really proud to be the only independent opticians in Kettering and the wider area to be part of the Community Urgent Eyecare Service. This is a significant moment for eye care in our town. People with urgent eye symptoms now have a trusted, local practice they can turn to — and be seen quickly by a qualified optometrist, completely free on the NHS."
"Eye problems can sometimes indicate something serious, so it's vital people don't sit and wait. From 30th March, there's no reason to wait — just call us."
To access CUES at Stirling Opticians from 30th March, call the practice on 01536 511605 during normal opening hours. You will be asked a few questions about your symptoms to confirm eligibility, and an appointment will be arranged. Please do not visit the practice without calling first.
Stirling Opticians is located at 16-18 Gold Street, Kettering, NN16 8JB. For more information, visit www.stirlingopticians.com.