Optician

Wales General Ophthalmic Service

High street opticians also known as Optometrists are there for eye health needs in the community. Eye care in Wales has changed, making it easier to access eye health services closer to home.

In October 2023 General Ophthalmic Services (GOS [W]) were replaced by Wales General Ophthalmic Services (WGOS). All high street opticians in Wales providing NHS services will provide WGOS 1 & 2 services.

The Wales General Ophthalmic Service consist of a number of different services including:

Wales General Ophthalmic Service 1

An eye examination comprising of a sight test which is free for eligible patients. Check if you are eligible below.

Wales General Ophthalmic Service 2

Includes examinations for urgent eye problems, further investigations/examinations following a WGOS 1 or private sight test and post operative cataract check

Wales General Ophthalmic Service 3

This service aims to help people with visual impairment to remain as independent as possible. Patients who are referred to this service will receive an initial Low Vision Assessment, with a follow up examination each year. The service also allows practitioners to certify people with sight loss if the cause of sight loss is Dry Age Related Macula Degeneration

Wales General Ophthalmic Service 4

This service allows optometrists with higher qualifications to filter and manage, where appropriate, Glaucoma and Retinal conditions that historically would have been referred to the Hospital Eye Service (HES). Patients will be referred to this service by their usual optometrist or discharged into the service from HES. This service also provides monitoring for patients who are at risk of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine retinal toxicity, who are referred by their prescribing physician

Wales General Ophthalmic Service 5

Independent Prescribing Optometry Service (IPOS) - Practitioners with an Independent prescribing qualification are able to manage certain conditions in primary care following a referral from an optometrist or discharge from hospital eye services.

WGOS Mobile Services for eligible individuals who are unable to attend an optometry practice unaccompanied.

Catherine McNamara, Primary Care Optometrist and Optometric Advisor for Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, explains more about the Urgent Eye Care Service in this short video

For more information about WGOS and the type of services available go to the Eye Care Wales - NHS Wales website

If you have a problem outside of normal working hours, ring 111 for advice.

Conjunctivitis (bacterial) and dry eye can be treated by pharmacists under the common ailments scheme. See this page for more details or visit your local Pharmacist.