Sandwell Pharmacy Group
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Pharmacy First & Minor Illness

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is one of the everyday conditions our pharmacists treat through our free NHS minor illness service — advice and treatment without a GP appointment.

Check eligibility & get treated →
Close-up of a red, inflamed eye being held open

How we treat it

Speak to our pharmacist in the private consultation room. Where appropriate we can supply treatment free of charge under the local NHS minor ailments scheme, or recommend the best over-the-counter option.

Who's eligible?

Free NHS treatment is available if you are registered with a participating local GP and do not pay for prescriptions; everyone else can still get expert advice and low-cost treatment. Use our one-minute eligibility checker and our pharmacist will be in touch to arrange your consultation — or just walk in.

Get help today instead if you have:Call us on 0121 500 5756, your GP, or NHS 111. In an emergency call 999.
Start eligibility check →
Understanding Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis, explained

What it is, what to look out for, and what actually helps — from the pharmacists who treat it every day.

What is conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the thin, clear layer covering the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. It makes eyes red or pink, gritty, itchy and watery — and depending on the cause, sticky with discharge that can glue the lashes together overnight.

It looks alarming but is rarely serious. Most cases are viral or allergic and settle without antibiotics; bacterial cases produce more of the thick yellow-green discharge. Our pharmacist can tell you which type you're dealing with, supply the right drops or advice, and spot the rare cases that need a doctor.

You may have conjunctivitis if you have:

  • 1
    Red or pink colouring in one or both eyes
  • 2
    A gritty, burning feeling — like sand in the eye
  • 3
    Watering, or a sticky yellow-green discharge
  • 4
    Lashes crusted together after sleep
  • 5
    Itchiness, especially when allergy is the cause
What causes conjunctivitis?
Three main culprits: viruses (often alongside a cold), bacteria, and allergies such as pollen or pet dander. Viral and bacterial forms are contagious; allergic conjunctivitis is not. Irritants like chlorine, smoke or a stray eyelash can cause identical redness too.
How do I treat conjunctivitis at home?
Clean away crusting with cooled boiled water and clean cotton wool — one wipe per piece, from the inner corner outwards. A cold compress soothes; lubricating drops from the pharmacy ease the grittiness. Don't wear contact lenses until it has fully cleared, and bin the pair you were wearing when it started.
Does conjunctivitis need antibiotic drops?
Usually not — viral and allergic cases don't respond to them, and even most bacterial cases clear on their own within a week or two. Antibiotic drops such as chloramphenicol are worth it for clearly bacterial infections with heavy discharge; our pharmacist can assess and supply them over the counter where appropriate.
Do children need to stay off school with conjunctivitis?
No — public health guidance doesn't require time off school or nursery for conjunctivitis. It does spread easily, so reinforce hand washing, discourage eye rubbing, and give the child their own towel and pillowcase.
When is a red eye urgent?
Seek help the same day for eye pain (rather than grittiness), sensitivity to light, changes to vision, a red eye in a baby under 28 days old, an eye that won't open, or redness after an injury or chemical splash. Contact lens wearers with a painful red eye should be seen urgently — that can be an ulcer.

Read more on this

Written by our pharmacy team — practical detail on treatment, timing and when to get help.

Health HubRed, Sticky Eye: Is It Conjunctivitis — and Do You Need Drops?Bacterial, viral or allergic — and the symptoms that mean same-day help.Read the guide →
All health articles →
This may be free on the NHS

Acute Bacterial Conjunctivitis is covered by the NHS Minor Ailments Scheme. If you are exempt from prescription charges and registered with a Black Country GP, our pharmacist can supply the medicine free of charge — no GP appointment needed.

Check if you qualify →
0121 500 5756