Emergency eye treatment centres in Fife: How to use them

They have been set up to help Fifers in need of treatment.

The new system aims to minimise contact between opticians and patients – but still ensure treatment is available.

The network of Emergency Eye Treatment Centres (EETC) was formed in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Anyone with concerns about their eyes or vision should phone their normal optometry practice.

Most queries will be able to be handled with a phone call, but if there is an urgent need for a consultation, a referral will be made to one of the five EETCs. If essential a hospital appointment would also be made.

All EETCs have been issued with PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) to reduce infection risk for both patients and practitioners.

Gavin Galloway at PLM Optoemtrists explained: “If a patient needs referred to an EETC they will be sent to the closest one available.

“That way people are not having to travel too far, and we can manage referrals to each EETC. A patient’s optician will contact the EETC with a full history and photos if necessary so they then know what they are dealing with. – and, as a last resort, they will also arrange a hospital referral, but very few people will need to go to that level.”

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All opticians are closed, but offering phone support and, in many cases, a triage service. The EETC system allows them to refer patients for treatment.

Kathryn Thompson, optometrist and store director at Specsavers Kirkcaldy, said: “Our aim is to keep patients at home wherever possible. Much of the time we will be able to resolve their problems by phone, and keep them at home where it is safest . Where face-to-face treatment is necessary, the EETCs will come into play.”

Full details on how the system works can be found in the link:

http://www.plm-optometrists.co.uk/documents/20200325_Optom_Practice_Availability_GG.pdf

For full details you can also scan the QR code in this article.

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