The new community-based Optometry First services for Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, launched on 1 July 2025, brings eye care closer to people’s homes.

The contract, commissioned by NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, is being provided by Primary Eyecare Services, a not-for-profit primary care optometry organisation.

It delivers extended eye care services through networks of optometry practices across the county in a staged rollout which will expand as new practices come on board.

This includes a new Community Minor and Urgent Eyecare Service (CUES) which went live on 1 July replacing the Minor Eye Care Service (MECS) provided by CHEC.

It means that people can access services more conveniently and closer to home, reducing the time and expense currently spent on travelling to appointments, whilst at the same time investing in community services and easing some of the pressure on the busy hospitals.

The new model of care includes:

• Community Minor and Urgent Eyecare Service (CUES)
• Enhanced cataract referral and post-operative assessment
• Integrated Children’s Eye Care Service and post-vision screening support
• Medical retina referral filtering and monitoring
• Glaucoma enhanced case finding, repeat readings and monitoring

For more information, go to https://primaryeyecare.co.uk/your-area/midlands/shropshire-telford-and-wrekin/