Emergency same day referrals are accepted by BMEC

Birmingham & Midland Eye Centre (BMEC), City Hospital, Dudley Road, Birmingham B18 7QH

See the College of Optometrists guide to urgency of referrals

Additionally please see the Solihull information pack for additional information on which conditions warrant an urgent referral to BMEC

Opening hours BMEC A&E:

Mon-Sat 9.00 – 19.00
Sun and bank hols 9.00 – 18.00

Out of hours patients should attend the A&E department.

BMEC now has an Emergency Referrals option on on EeRS (Cinapsis) that should be the first-choice option for referring any true Ophthalmic Emergency Condition. Information submitted goes directly to the Emergency Department and the patient is sent directly to the BMEC Emergency Department immediately. Phone calls are only required if outside working hours.

Otherwise BMEC has a single contact number 0121 507 4440 with a decision tree to enable your call to be directed appropriately and BMEC report it is manned 9-4 Mon to Sat. The triage nurse will discuss with you whether the patient should be sent immediately or next day and an appointment time will be offered to the patient.

Outside of these hours please call 0121 507 6779

If you are unable to get through and you feel that the patient care cannot be delayed then in extreme need you can call 0121 553 1831 and ask for on call ophthalmologist.

You should give the patient a short written referral letter for them to present on arrival in the eye casualty department. Send a report of your actions to their GP.