This Guidance does not change what you must do under the law.

A needs led examination is one where the patient does not need a sight test as defined in law (a statutory sight test) but has symptoms that would benefit from a clinical assessment and opinion. Examples would include minor eye conditions services (MECS), Eye Health Examination Wales (EHEW) or equivalent, follow-up appointments after a routine eye examination, assessment of patients for suspect glaucoma or ocular hypertension, or the co-management of a patient with another healthcare practitioner. See sections on Examining patents who present as an emergency and Examining patients with flashes and floaters.

Unlike the statutory sight test, there is no legal restriction on who can conduct a needs led examination.

If you conduct a needs led examination you must conduct the appropriate tests relevant to the patient’s needs³⁰. You should make it clear to the patient that you are not conducting a full eye examination (sight test).

You may charge an appropriate fee for needs led examinations unless you participate in an NHS- or government-funded scheme to see these patients.

You must keep an adequate record of the consultation. See section on Patient records.