Eye Care - Information and Links
This section provides information on optical services in Wales, including descriptions of the services available under the NHS and the various types of opticians providing such services.
Eye Care - useful links & documents:
Do you need an eye test (adults) - RNIB Checklist
Do you need an eye test (children) - RNIB Checklist
Free eye health checks for children - RNIB
Raising a concern about the Eye Health Examination Wales service - Eye Care Wales
Wales Eye Care Services
This website has been set up by the Welsh Government in order to promote the Wales Eye Care Services (WECS), a service which aims to minimise sight-loss in Wales by means of the following schemes;
- The detection of eye problems in susceptible individuals, such as those with a family history of eye disease, and ensuring urgent attention for acute eye problems via the Eye Health Examination Wales (EHEW) scheme.
- The provision of a low vision service, via the Low Vision Service Wales scheme, which is accessible to any patient with a visual impairment
The General Optical Council (GOC)
www.optical.org
The GOC is the statutory body which regulates dispensing opticians and optometrists. The GOC aims to protect the public and promote high standards of professional conduct and education amongst opticians. It provides advice and guidance regarding standards.
The Optical Consumer Complaints Service (OCCS)
www.opticalcomplaints.co.uk
The OCCS is an independent body set up to settle complaints from members of the public who are not satisfied with the optical services they have received in an optical practice.
The College of Optometrists
www.college-optometrists.org
The College is the professional, scientific and examining body for optometry in the UK. The College issues guidelines for professional conduct, facilitates registration under GOC approval and supports research into optometry and ophthalmic-related subjects.
See also under individual Health Boards for information on how optical services are arranged on a local basis.