Northern Ireland Primary Eyecare Assessment and Referral Scheme
What is NI PEARS?
Northern Ireland Primary Eyecare Assessment and Referral Service (NI PEARS) is a service provided by us as Belfast opticians for patients who develop a sudden eye problem.
The NI PEARS service is for patients who develop a sudden eye condition such as:
- Red eye(s)
- Pain and/or discomfort in the eyes, or around the eye area
- Sudden reduction in vision in one or both eyes
- Recent onset or sudden increase of flashes and/or floaters in one or both eyes
- Something in your eye that you can’t remove yourself
If you are unsure whether your symptoms qualify you for an NI PEARS examination, please contact us for advice.
Appointments are available during normal working hours and you will be seen as soon as possible.
You must be registered with a GP in the North and not have used this service in the last year.
What happens at an NI PEARS assessment?
We will discuss your eye problem at our opticians Antrim Road including the symptoms you may have, any history of eye problems and related medical history. You will be given a thorough eye assessment and vision tests to enable us to investigate your condition. The optometrist will explain your condition and may:
- Give advice and treatment if required or
- Refer you to your GP if your eye condition is related to your general health or
- Refer you directly to the hospital eye service if the condition is more serious
If your condition is minor and non-sight threatening, the optometrist should be able to manage it in our practice. We may recommend an eye medication and will either direct you to your pharmacist to purchase the medication or give you a form to take to your GP to have a prescription issued.
We may also recommend a follow up appointment. There is no charge to you for this visit, making it an affordable opticians visit.
Always best to phone us for an NI PEARS appointment, rather than book online.