We are pleased to be able to offer ACES appointments for patients registered with a Somerset GP surgery and those registered with many Devon GP surgeries. These appointments are very specifically for acute, new eye problems and not for ongoing issues. We are more than happy to see more chronic issues but this isn’t covered by the scheme so would be chargeable privately. This includes check ups for chronic dry eye.
Your GP surgery, Optician or pharmacist may refer you into the scheme or you are able to refer yourself in. You can find out what issues we may be able to see here. We do our best to accomodate as many of these appointments as we can, as a supplementary service to support the NHS but we are often very busy with our regular clinics. Unfortunately, even if another health professional has referred you to the scheme, it does not mean we will be able to see you. The scheme requires these appointments to be seen usually within 24-48 hours so if we are unable to see you within this time we will need to direct you elsewhere to be seen.
Many of our original customers will be aware that Karen had to fight hard to get permission for the practice to offer ACES appointments, having been told there was enough provision for the service already locally. Unfortunately, experience tells us otherwise! As stated we try to see as many of these appointments as we can with Karen sometimes coming in on her days off to provide clinics. However, since it’s a supplementary service and the demand for it fluctuates greatly so we are often not able to see everyone we would like to.
It is unfortunate that recently we have had a number of patients taking their frustration out on our staff when they have been unable to be seen with one even threatening to not leave until he was seen. As believers of the benefits of the scheme we want to continue to offer our services but will be reviewing this if our staff continue to receive abuse if we are unable to see someone. Please remember we are ultimately an Optician practice not an NHS emergency service.
If you are unable to be seen we will direct you to another provider, details of which can be found from here or to your GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or A&E. If in doubt call NHS 111.
