GPs and primary care - South West London CCG

Primary care services provide the first point of contact in the healthcare system, acting as the ‘front door’ of the NHS. Primary care includes GP services – also known as general practice – community pharmacy, dental, and optometry (eye health) services.

GP services

General practitioners (GPs) treat all common medical conditions and refer patients to hospitals and other medical services for urgent and specialist treatment.

Find out more about GP services in your area, including how to book appointments and where to find your nearest GP.

Dentistry

Dentists diagnose, treat and/or prevent conditions, disorders, and diseases of the teeth, gums, mouth, and jaw. The NHS will provide any clinically necessary treatment needed to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy and free of pain.

Optometry (eyes)

Your eyes rarely hurt when something is wrong with them, so having regular eye tests is important to help detect potentially harmful conditions. The NHS recommends that you should have your eyes tested every two years (more often if advised by your ophthalmic practitioner or optometrist).

An NHS sight test is free of charge if you’re in one of the eligible groups and the test is considered clinically necessary. If the ophthalmic practitioner cannot see a clinical need, you’ll have to pay for the test yourself.

Minor eye problems

If you have a recent problem with your eyes – such as sore eyes, red eyes or visual disturbance – and you are registered with a GP practice in South West London, you can be assessed and treated by a local minor eye conditions service located within participating local opticians.

Pharmacy

Pharmacists are experts in medicines and how they work. They play a key role in providing quality healthcare to patients.

Pharmacists dispense prescriptions, provide a range of services related to specific health issues and can give advice on healthy living and minor ailments.