Do you offer same-day appointments?

Yes. We prioritize urgent eye concerns and do our best to see same-day patients as quickly as possible. Call (978) 774-7033 as soon as symptoms start.

What should I do if I get something in my eye?

Avoid rubbing the eye. If possible, gently rinse with clean water or saline, and call our office right away. If the object doesn’t rinse out or you’re in significant pain, seek care immediately.

Is pink eye an emergency?

Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is usually not a true emergency, but it should be evaluated promptly since it’s contagious and some forms require prescription treatment.

Should I go to the ER or call your office for an eye problem?

For issues like foreign objects, minor injuries, infections, or sudden irritation, call our office first. For chemical exposure, penetrating injuries, major trauma, or sudden total vision loss, go directly to the emergency room.

What if my eye emergency happens outside of your office hours?

If it’s a true emergency (chemical exposure, penetrating injury, sudden vision loss), go to the nearest ER. For less severe symptoms, call our office as soon as we open and explain the situation so we can prioritize getting you in.

Emergency & Same-Day Eye Care in Danvers, MA

Eye problems don’t wait for a convenient time. If you’re dealing with sudden pain, injury, vision changes, or anything that feels urgent, North Shore Eye Specialists offers same-day appointments to get you seen quickly. Call us first — in many cases, we can evaluate and treat your issue right in our Danvers office.

Call Us First: (978) 774-7033

If you’re experiencing an eye emergency during business hours, call our office immediately. Our staff will work to get you seen the same day. If it’s after hours and you believe your situation is serious, see the guidance below on when to go straight to the ER.

Common Eye Emergencies We Treat

•Something in the eye — debris, metal, wood, or other foreign objects

•Eye injuries — scratches, pokes, or blunt trauma to the eye or eyelid

•Sudden eye pain

•Red eye with pain, discharge, or vision changes (possible infection or inflammation)

•Pink eye (conjunctivitis)

•Sudden blurry or lost vision

•Flashes of light or a sudden increase in floaters

•Corneal abrasions (scratched cornea)

•Chemical exposure or splash to the eye

•Styes and eyelid infections

•Contact lens–related pain or irritation

Symptoms That Need Prompt Attention

• Sudden vision loss or significant blurring, even if temporary

• Eye pain that is severe or getting worse

• A sudden increase in floaters or flashes of light

• A curtain or shadow moving across your field of vision

• Redness accompanied by pain, light sensitivity, or discharge

• Any injury to the eye or eyelid, even if it seems minor

• A foreign object in the eye that won’t rinse out

When to Go to the Emergency Room Instead

Some situations require immediate emergency room or urgent care attention rather than an office visit, including:

• Chemical splash in the eye — flush with water immediately and seek emergency care right away

• A penetrating injury or object embedded in the eye

• Significant trauma to the eye or face

• Sudden, complete vision loss

If any of these occur outside our office hours, go to the nearest emergency room rather than waiting for a callback.

What to Expect During an Urgent Visit

When you call about an eye emergency, our staff will ask a few quick questions to understand your symptoms and get you into the schedule as soon as possible. During your visit, Dr. Prentiss will examine the affected eye, determine the cause, and provide treatment on the spot when possible — such as removing debris, prescribing medication for an infection, or treating a corneal abrasion. If your condition requires a specialist or surgical care, he’ll coordinate a referral and make sure you’re seen promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer same-day appointments?
Yes. We prioritize urgent eye concerns and do our best to see same-day patients as quickly as possible. Call (978) 774-7033 as soon as symptoms start.
What should I do if I get something in my eye?
Avoid rubbing the eye. If possible, gently rinse with clean water or saline, and call our office right away. If the object doesn’t rinse out or you’re in significant pain, seek care immediately.
Is pink eye an emergency?
Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is usually not a true emergency, but it should be evaluated promptly since it’s contagious and some forms require prescription treatment.
Should I go to the ER or call your office for an eye problem?
For issues like foreign objects, minor injuries, infections, or sudden irritation, call our office first. For chemical exposure, penetrating injuries, major trauma, or sudden total vision loss, go directly to the emergency room.
What if my eye emergency happens outside of your office hours?
If it’s a true emergency (chemical exposure, penetrating injury, sudden vision loss), go to the nearest ER. For less severe symptoms, call our office as soon as we open and explain the situation so we can prioritize getting you in.

Don’t Wait — Call Now

If you’re experiencing an eye emergency, don’t wait for it to get worse. Call North Shore Eye Specialists at (978) 774-7033 and we’ll do everything we can to see you today.