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FAQ - Minor Eyecare Scheme (MECS) |
| Q | If I find a MECS condition during a routine eye test can I do a MECS examination instead? |
| A |
No. The MECS is for patients who attend with sudden onset eye problems.
If you find an abnormality during a routine eye test it should be dealt with in the usual way. |
| Q | A patient presents with recent onset symptoms of concern who doesn't have a Wakefield GP. Can I see them under GOS instead? |
| A |
If they are entitled to a GOS examination and you carry out a full assessment including refraction, then the answer is 'yes'. If you intend to only investigate the symptoms as you would under MECS (say due to time restrictions), or they would not normally be entitled to a GOS examination, then the answer is 'no' as GOS is not designed for emergency care. In that situation you could offer the patient a private MECS assessment, help them find a practice who could see them under GOS (if entitled) or advise them to obtain urgent care through MECS in their own area. If none of those options were found to be appropriate then they could be directed to a walk-in medical centre or as a last resort to an accident and emergency department. All advice given to the patient should be recorded. |
| Q | If we see someone under MECS but then think they should also have an eyetest under GOS, what should we do? |
| A | There will be circumstances where this will occur and you can go on to carry one out under GOS, but NOT on the same day. |
| Q | If we treat someone under MECS who is not a regular patient of the practice, are we allowed to keep them on our record system? |
| A | Yes, for your own record keeping, but not for reminders or marketing. |
| Q | If a patient has a contact lens related red eye, can you claim a MECS fee? |
| A | Yes, if they are NOT your patient, otherwise their aftercare should be your responsibility. Ideally, a CL patient should return to their usual provider. |
| Q | Do I need extra equipment to carry out MECS? |
| A |
You will need the sort of equipment which most Optometry practices already have. |
| Q | Can I see a patient of any age for MECS? |
| A |
The service is for both adults and children; there is no age limit for the service. Children under 16 who attend the service must be accompanied to their appointment by a responsible adult. |
| Last updated 26th October 2021 |