What is Aces?

ACES is a free service available to all patients registered with a Somerset GP. The service provides patients experiencing recently occurring medical eye conditions with appropriate treatment closer to home. The service is provided by local optometrists with the specialist knowledge and skills to carry out this work at a locally approved opticians.

Medical eye conditions which can be treated by ACES

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 ACES?

Below is a list of approved opticians. Please be aware that your normal optometrist may have chosen not to offer this service. You can contact any of these approved opticians directly (self refer) to make an appointment and ask to be seen under ACES.

Appointments are available during normal working hours and you will be seen within 24 hours.

Alternatively, if you make an appointment to see your GP, he or she may refer you to the optometrist for treatment.

What happens when I see the optometrist?

The optometrist will discuss your eye history, any symptoms you may be experiencing and any related medical history.

You will receive an eye assessment relevant to your symptoms.

Please take a list of all current medications and your up to date glasses with you to the appointment. As a result of the consultation you may be:

  • Given appropriate treatment by the optometrist, this may include a follow-up appointment
  • Referred to your GP for appropriate treatment if your eye condition is related to your general health
  • Referred directly to the hospital eye service if your eye condition is more serious

Following your appointment the optometrist will notify your GP about the outcome of your consultation in order to ensure your medical records are updated.

A list of participating practices can be found below:

ACES Participating Practices