Who Can Help?

The Northern Ireland Primary Eyesore Assessment and Referral Service (NIPEARS) is a service provided by most optometry practices in NI for patients who have developed a sudden eye problem within the previous 14 days such as:

• red eyes
• pain in/around the eyes
• sudden visual loss/disturbance
• recent onset or sudden increase in flashes/floaters in the eyes
• foreign body in the eye

The service is only available to patients who are registered with a GP practice in Northern Ireland and are 5 years or over.

The Belfast Health and Social Care Trust has a 'Phone First' service for patients with minor injuries who are considering going to the Emergency Department. Patients should call:

02896159444

You will be assessed over the phone before being advised on the next steps. The Phone First service operates 8am-6pm Monday to Friday excluding bank holidays.

For more information see:

Phone First | Belfast Health & Social Care Trust 

Lagan Valley also operates an Urgent Care Centre which is available 8am-6pm Monday to Friday and is a phone-first Service. For Lagan Valley Urgent Care call 

02892604643

You will be assessed over the phone before being advised on the next steps.

For more information see:

Urgent Care Centre - Lagan Valley Hospital - South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust

If your child is unwell please follow the link below to use the Belfast Trust symptom checker for guidance on where to seek treatment.

https://belfasttrust.hscni.net/hospitals/childrens/childrens-symptom-checker/

If your child is unwell and you are considering travelling to an Emergency Department you should Phone First on 028 9615 9444