Urgent eye care in Reservoir
Urgent eye care in Reservoir: what to do next.
Sudden, painful or unusual eye symptoms deserve timely attention.
Go straight to emergency care. For a chemical splash, start rinsing immediately and call 000. Read the first-aid steps below.
Reservoir Spectacles assesses many urgent eye concerns, including red eyes, flashes and floaters, eye injuries, infections and sudden changes in vision. Call the practice so we can help you choose the right next step.
Emergency warning signs
Some eye problems should go straight to hospital.
Do not wait for an optometry appointment if you have a serious eye injury or sudden severe symptoms.
This includes sudden major vision loss, a penetrating eye injury, severe eye trauma, a chemical splash, or vision changes with possible stroke symptoms such as facial droop, arm weakness or difficulty speaking.
Sudden double vision also needs emergency assessment. Go to an emergency department promptly and do not wait for a routine appointment. Our double vision (diplopia) guide explains the warning signs and next steps.
Chemical in the eye
Start rinsing immediately with clean, gently running cool water for at least 20 minutes. Turn your head towards the injured side so the chemical does not wash into the other eye. Call 000 for an ambulance; do not delay rinsing while help is arranged.
Embedded or penetrating object
Do not press, rub or try to remove an object embedded in the eye. Protect the eye from further contact and go directly to emergency.
Call the practice promptly
Eye symptoms we commonly assess.
If symptoms are new, worsening, painful or affecting your vision, please call rather than relying on an online booking.
Red or painful eyes
Persistent redness, pain, discharge or marked irritation can have several causes and may need treatment.
Flashes, floaters or a shadow
New flashes or floaters, especially with blurred vision, a curtain or a shadow in your sight, need urgent assessment. Read our flashes and floaters guide for warning signs and what to do next.
Sudden blurred or distorted vision
A sudden change in one or both eyes should not be ignored, even when there is no pain.
Foreign bodies and minor injuries
Grit, small particles, scratches and minor knocks can be uncomfortable and may damage the eye’s surface.
Light sensitivity
New or significant sensitivity to light, particularly with pain or redness, can be a sign of inflammation.
Contact-lens problems
Remove your lenses and call promptly if you develop pain, marked redness, discharge, light sensitivity or sudden blurred vision. Do not restart lens wear until advised it is safe. For non-urgent information, see contact lens fitting and aftercare.
Your appointment
Careful examination and a clear plan.
We will listen to what has changed, examine the eyes and explain what we find in plain language.
Clinical assessment
The examination is tailored to your symptoms and may include vision, eye-pressure and microscope checks.
Diagnostic imaging
Retinal photography and OCT scanning may be used when detailed assessment of the retina or optic nerve is helpful.
Next steps
Depending on the findings, we may recommend treatment, monitoring, GP care or referral to an ophthalmologist or hospital.
Call us on (03) 9460 8017 and describe the symptoms. If we are closed or you cannot reach us, seek urgent medical assessment for sudden vision changes, eye pain or marked light sensitivity. Do not wait for an online booking, WhatsApp reply or callback. For severe symptoms, go directly to an emergency department or call 000.
Australian patient guidance
Reliable information about urgent eye symptoms.
See Healthdirect’s eye injury and chemical first aid and red-eye warning signs. These guides do not replace an individual assessment.
Urgent eye care in Reservoir
Call us before booking online.
Speaking with the practice helps us understand the symptoms and advise whether you need an urgent appointment or emergency care.