A plain triage guide: what needs the hospital immediately, what needs an optometrist today, what can wait, and who to call after hours in Hamilton.
Most urgent eye problems are best seen by an optometrist the same day. They have the slit-lamp microscope needed to examine the eye properly, most New Zealand optometrists now hold a therapeutic (prescribing) endorsement, and they can refer straight to an ophthalmologist when needed. Phone and say it is urgent; several practices keep acute slots. Same-day problems include:
Hamilton optometrists close in the evening (the latest closing among the practices listed is 9pm, on Thursdays at Chartwell and The Base and Fridays at The Base; the chain stores open Sundays). Outside those hours: Waikato Hospital Emergency Department (Pembroke Street, Hamilton) for anything in the hospital list above; Anglesea Urgent Care Clinic (3 Thackeray Street, phone 07 858 0800 — open 24 hours) for red eyes, foreign bodies and injuries that can wait for a GP-level assessment; and Healthline, 0800 611 116, free 24 hours, if you are unsure which. Contact lens wearers with a painful red eye should not wait until morning.
Acute appointments are shorter than a full examination and priced accordingly; Rose Optometry publishes $69 for an acute problem-focused appointment. Injury-related care is partly covered by ACC (the practice lodges the claim). Hospital emergency care is free for eligible residents.
The practices below say on their websites that they see urgent problems. Any Hamilton optometrist can be phoned for a same-day problem; if your usual practice cannot fit you in, try the next nearest. Phone first — a two-minute call establishes whether you need them or the hospital.
Listed when the practice's website mentions acute, red-eye or same-day care. Phone first.
Frankton · Independent
Yes. Most New Zealand optometrists now hold a therapeutic endorsement and can prescribe antibiotic, antiviral and anti-inflammatory drops — ask the practice. They refer to an ophthalmologist if the infection involves the cornea deeply or is not responding.
If you also have a shadow or curtain spreading across your vision, go to Waikato Hospital's emergency department now. Otherwise see an optometrist the same day, or within 24 hours at most; new floaters are usually harmless but a retinal tear needs to be ruled out by a dilated examination.
Yes — eye injuries are ACC claims. Go to an optometrist the same day; grinding and welding injuries can embed metal in the cornea that must be removed. The optometrist lodges the ACC claim.
Specsavers and OPSM stores in Hamilton open on Sundays, and Bailey Nelson at Chartwell. For anything in the hospital list, Waikato Hospital's emergency department is open 24 hours. Healthline (0800 611 116) can advise.
Not usually, but it needs to be seen the same day if it is painful, light-sensitive, affects vision, or you wear contact lenses. A mildly pink, gritty eye with no pain can wait a day or two.
Phone and say it is urgent. Rose Optometry (07 847 3195) publishes a $69 acute appointment; Rototuna Optometrists (07 852 5625) lists red-eye and injury care.