Urgent Eye Care Service

Acute Community Eyecare Scheme (ACES)

What is this service?

ACES is a free service for people registered with a GP in Somerset.

It helps patients who have recent eye problems get the right care quickly, without needing to go to hospital. You’ll be seen by a specially trained local optometrist.

What eye problems can be seen?

The service is designed for recently occurring medical eye conditions such as:

• Sudden or recent reduction in vision in one or both eyes
• Red eye(s) or eye lids
• Pain and /or discomfort in the eyes, around the eye area or temples
• Recent onset or sudden increase of flashes and/or floaters in one or both eyes
• Mild trauma, for example a scratch to the outer surface of the eye(s) or lid(s)
• Suspected foreign body in the eye
• Recent onset of double vision
• Significant recent discharge from or watering of the eye

If you are unsure whether your symptoms qualify, please contact
one of the approved opticians who can advise you

How do I access the service?

• You can contact a participating optometrist directly and ask for an urgent eye care (ACES) appointment. You do not need a GP referral (you can self-refer)
• Appointments are usually available within 24 hours during normal working hours

What will happen at the appointment?

The optometrist will:

• Ask about your symptoms and medical history
• Carry out an eye assessment based on your symptoms

Please bring:

• A list of your current medications
• Your glasses (if you wear them)

After your appointment, you may:

• Be treated by the optometrist (sometimes with a follow-up visit)
• Be referred to your GP if the problem is linked to your general health
• Be referred to a hospital eye specialist if needed

Your GP will be informed so your medical records stay up to date.

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