New Community Urgent Eyecare Service (CUES) Launching on 1st July 2025

We’re delighted to announce that from 1st July 2025, patients in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin will have access to the Community Urgent Eyecare Service (CUES).

This free NHS service is designed to make it easier and quicker for you to get expert help for urgent or sudden eye problems, without needing to visit your GP or A&E.

👁️ What is CUES?

CUES is a community-based service delivered by specially trained local optometrists and supported by a dedicated Telemedicine Hub. If you experience a sudden eye issue, you can call the hub to get advice and, if needed, an appointment with an eyecare professional.

This means you get the right care at the right time—closer to home.

✅ When to Use the Service

You should contact CUES if you or your child (registered with a GP in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin) experience:

• Sudden or recent onset blurred vision

• A red or painful eye

• Flashes or floaters in your vision

• Something stuck in your eye

• Dry, itchy or gritty eyes

• Watery eye (epiphora)

• Ingrowing eyelashes (trichiasis)

• Lumps or bumps around the eye

• Emergency contact lens removal (not by the fitting practice)

  
  

📞 How to Get Help

If you have an urgent eye concern: Call the CUES Telemedicine Hub on 0303 003 5598.

The hub team is available Monday to Saturday, 9am–5pm. They will:

• Assess your symptoms over the phone or video call

• Give you immediate advice where possible

• Book you an appointment with a local optometrist if needed

• Arrange further referrals if your condition requires specialist care

Please do not go directly to an optical practice without calling the hub first.

💙 Why Use CUES?

• Faster access to the right care

• Reduces unnecessary GP or hospital visits

• Expert assessment and treatment from qualified optometrists

• Peace of mind for you and your family

Remember—if you or someone you care for has an urgent eye problem, call 0303 003 5598 first. We’re here to help.