People in Swindon and Wiltshire can receive free NHS treatment for urgent eye care from their optician.

A brand-new service commissioned by the region's newly-merged CCG lets high street opticians offer free treatment for conditions like itchy and red eyes, scratched or swollen eyes or unexplained reduced vision to anyone.

Despite the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, the majority of opticians in the area are still operating, with most offering the new service. Opticians not currently open can still refer patients to another that is providing the new service, as can GPs.

The new service will begin as a temporary arrangement, was set up as a result of concerns that patients were not seeking treatment for eye conditions due to worries about visiting GP practices and hospitals at the current time.

Dr Andrew Girdher, Clinical Chair for the BaNES SW Clinical Commissioning Group said: "It is essential that people still get treatment for new or worsening eye conditions.

"We understand that many may have delayed going to A&E or their GP for such things recently, but our eyes are really delicate and do need looking after. The great news is that now people can get many of the treatments they need from eye specialists without going to hospital or their GP.

"What's more, this is also a positive development for the local healthcare system, especially for GP practices and hospital emergency departments, as it reduces the number of patients needing treatment."

Opticians are now being supported by specialist eye departments to deliver the service.

Following the rollout in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire, which is only the second region in the country to have the new service in place, it is hoped more areas across the country will soon be able to benefit.