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NI PEARS Scheme

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Northern Ireland Primary Eyecare Assessment and Referral Scheme

What is NI PEARS?

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

  • Red eye(s);
  • Pain and/or discomfort in the eyes, or around the eye area;
  • Sudden reduction in vision in one or both eyes;
  • Recent onset or sudden increase of flashes and/or floaters in one or both eyes;
  • Something in your eye that you can’t remove yourself.

Conditions of the Service

  • Patients are entitled to one PEARS assessment per year.
  • The service cannot manage chronic or longstanding conditions or conditions for which you have you may have sought advice/been treated for elsewhere.
  • The service is not offered to children under 5 years of age.
  • You must be registered with a GP in Northern Ireland and bring your Health and Care number which is on your medical card.

How do I access the service?

If you are unsure whether your symptoms qualify you for a NIPEARS examination, please contact your local optometry practice for advice. If the practice does not provide the service, they will direct you to the nearest practice which does.

Appointments are available during normal working hours and you will be seen within 48 hours.

What happens at an NI PEARS assessment?

The optometrist will discuss your eye problem including the symptoms you may have, any history of eye problems and related medical history. You will be given a thorough eye assessment to enable the optometrist to investigate your condition. The optometrist will explain your condition and may:

  • Give advice and treatment if required or
  • Refer you to your GP if your eye condition is related to your general health or
  • Refer you directly to the hospital eye service if the condition is more serious

If your condition is minor and non-sight threatening, the optometrist should be able to manage it and either offer you recommended treatments to purchase directly from the practice, or direct you to your pharmacist to purchase the medication. If the treatment requires a prescription you may be given a letter to take to your GP to have the prescription issued with advice on how to use the medication.

The optometrist may also recommend a follow up appointment.

 

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