Accessing Emergency Eye Care

We are always keen to support the NHS and alleviate the pressure on them. With that in mind, we would encourage you to make us your first port of call regarding any eye care issues.

Please note, we can only provide emergency eye care to current patients of Cameron Optometry.

Emergency eye care within practice opening hours:

If your emergency occurs during normal working hours (Monday – Friday 9am-4.30pm), then please call us on 0131 225 2235. One of our team will take your details and ask you a series of relevant questions. You will then be directed to an optometrist who will be able to advise. A phone call is preferable to an email to ensure that it comes to the immediate attention of our team. It may well be that you don’t need to come into the practice, and we are able to advise on the phone/video call. If we need to see you, we will offer you an appointment as soon as possible.

Emergency care for our patients out with opening hours:

If your eye care emergency happens out with practice opening hours, then please call the practice on 0131 225 2235 where you will hear a voice message with mobile phone numbers for our optometrists who will endeavour to take your call. We are able to triage your emergency by phone, using video call where required, and advise whether you need to be seen or provide you with advice and treatment by phone.

Individuals who have not visited Cameron Optometry before:

Unfortunately at this stage we are unable to provide advice to patients who are not currently members of the practice. Hopefully your own optometrist will be able to provide an emergency service. Otherwise, you will find details of other ways to deal with your issue below.

Emergency eye care at a local hospital:

We are always keen to ensure we are the first port of call for eye care emergencies to alleviate pressure on the NHS, and because we have the expertise and equipment to diagnose and treat most emergencies. In the very unlikely event that we cannot see you, you can phone the minor injuries clinic at the Western General Hospital (WGH) on 0131 537 3481 between 8am and 8.30pm, or after that call NHS 24 on 111 for further advice. The minor injuries clinic at WGH have limited equipment so ask you to call them for advice before presenting to the clinic.

The Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion is closed during evenings and weekends and does not have a walk in service. Patients will be turned away if they present without a referral from an optometrist or GP.

Here is a reminder of what constitutes an eye care emergency.