MEDICAL EYE CARE
Some changes in vision should not wait.
Call for urgent eye concerns. For sudden vision loss, a curtain or shadow, or severe eye pain, seek immediate eye care or an emergency department if an eye clinician is not promptly available.
USE THE PHONE
Do not send an online request
SEEK IMMEDIATE CARE
Sudden loss of vision or a curtain
AVAILABILITY
Call; do not assume a walk-in slot
On this page: Symptoms that need immediate attention · When you call or arrive · Evaluation & next steps · The goal of urgent care
Symptoms that need immediate attention
A new curtain or shadow, a sudden shower of floaters with flashes, or severe eye pain with redness and nausea can indicate a vision-threatening problem. Go to an eye clinician or emergency department immediately.
For emergency symptoms, seek immediate care. If an eye clinician is not promptly available, go to an emergency department.
When you call or arrive
Say that you have an urgent eye concern. Describe when it started, whether one or both eyes are affected, and any change in vision. Mention recent eye procedures, injury, or contact lens use.
The office can advise on availability and the appropriate next step. If you cannot promptly reach a clinician for an emergency symptom, go to an emergency department rather than waiting for a reply.
Evaluation & next steps
The examination is guided by your symptoms. A retinal warning sign may require dilation and retinal assessment. Pressure measurement and examination of the front of the eye may help investigate severe pain or redness.
Treatment depends on the diagnosis. It may involve medication, close follow-up, or urgent procedural care with a specialist. A website description cannot determine which is appropriate for a new symptom.
The goal of urgent care
The priority is to identify the cause quickly and act when treatment is time-sensitive. Early evaluation can help reduce the risk of permanent damage, but the outcome depends on the condition and its severity.
Before leaving, make sure you know who is responsible for follow-up, how to use any prescribed medication, and what changes require another urgent call.
Questions patients ask
Can I book an emergency through the website?
Use the telephone or seek emergency care directly. Online appointment requests and general messages are not an emergency service.
What if I cannot reach the office?
For sudden vision loss, a curtain or shadow, or severe eye pain, seek an emergency department rather than waiting for a callback.
PATIENT EDUCATION SOURCES
NEI: Retinal detachment ↗ · NEI: Glaucoma ↗ · CDC: Pink eye treatment ↗
Educational content updated September 2026. Your diagnosis and care plan require an individual examination.
Connected specialist care
Our referral network includes retinal specialists with expertise in traumatic injuries and retinal detachments, alongside glaucoma surgeons and corneal specialists. These relationships support timely coordination when advanced care is needed.