The new Anterior Eye Service, part of the Scottish Government's record £139m investment in eye care this year, will support approved IP optometrists to treat nine complex eye conditions which normally require a hospital visit. The conditions are anterior uveitis, anterior and posterior blepharitis, episcleritis, herpes simplex keratitis, herpes zoster ophthalmicus, infective conjunctivitis, marginal keratitis, ocular allergy and ocular rosacea. Corneal foreign body removal will be added in January 2026.

The service will free up an estimated 20,000 hospital appointments a year, with patients being treated closer to home, offering greater appointment flexibility and continuity of care.

Public health minister, Jenni Minto, said: ‘This new service will mean people can get treatment for more eye conditions in the community, without the need to travel for a hospital appointment.

'It will get people the treatment they need faster, improving outcomes while also freeing up vital hospital capacity for more serious cases.'