A new NHS funded eye-care clinic, set up to relieve the pressure on GPs and the hospital eye department has seen over 100 patients in their first month of trading.

Patients from Penarth and the Vale of Glamorgan with urgent eye problems such as eye infections, minor eye injuries and sudden changes of vision have been able to access the same-day assessment service at Vale Eyecare, run by local optometrist Tanya McNabb.

Tanya said "We have had fantastic support from other local healthcare providers, with patients being directed to us by GP receptionists, pharmacists, other high street optometrists and even the Minor Injuries Unit.

''We have all the necessary equipment to assess eye health problems, and if a further referral is found to be needed, we can arrange this directly with the emergency eye clinic at the Heath Hospital.

''Many conditions can be managed on-site, however, including ocular foreign body removal and inturned eyelash removal."

Vale Eyecare is based within Highlight Park Medical Practice in Barry, which has good transport links and a large free car park.

Current clinic hours are 9 am - 1 pm Monday to Friday.

No referral is needed and patients with urgent problems such as a red or painful eye, swollen eye, visual disturbance or loss of vision can contact the clinic directly but are asked to call ahead on 01446 484114 as the clinic is run on an appointment basis.