Emergency Eye Care

Get urgent eye care in Springfield when you need it most.

Fast, Compassionate Care for Your Most Pressing Eye Concerns

When your eyes are in trouble, waiting isn’t an option. Whether you’re dealing with sudden eye pain, vision changes, or something stuck in your eye, Heffington’s is here to help — fast. Our experienced optometrists provide same-day emergency eye care at both of our Springfield locations, so you get the urgent attention your eyes deserve.

When to Seek Emergency Eye Care

Eye emergencies can range from uncomfortable to sight-threatening, and it’s not always easy to know what counts as urgent. If you’re experiencing any of the following, contact us right away rather than waiting for a routine appointment:

These symptoms may indicate conditions that can worsen quickly without treatment. Our optometrists are trained to diagnose and manage a wide range of ocular emergencies, from corneal abrasions and eye infections to foreign body removal. For more serious conditions like retinal detachments, tears, or holes, we provide prompt referrals to ensure you receive the specialized care you need.

After-Hours Eye Emergency Assistance

Eye problems don’t keep business hours. That’s why Heffington’s offers an after-hours medical emergency answering service, available when our offices are closed. This service can help with a variety of urgent concerns, including retinal detachments, foreign bodies, infections, and corneal abrasions, helping you determine the right next step right away.

If you’re experiencing a serious eye emergency outside of regular business hours, call your nearest Heffington’s location and follow the prompts for emergency assistance.

Heffington's House of Vision

Same-Day Emergency Glasses

If your eyewear is lost, broken, or damaged during an emergency, we can help with that too. Heffington’s fabricates prescription glasses in-house, and in most cases we can have a new pair ready for you the same day. It’s one more way we work to get you back to seeing clearly as quickly as possible.

How to Reach Us

Don’t wait if something feels wrong with your vision. Call Heffington’s House of Vision at 417-882-3937 or Heffington’s Optiland at 417-869-3937. You can also schedule an appointment online, though we recommend calling directly for any medical emergency to ensure the fastest response. Same-day appointments are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as an eye emergency?

Eye emergencies include sudden vision loss, eye pain, new flashes of light or floaters, a foreign object in the eye, a scratched cornea, and signs of infection such as significant redness, swelling, or discharge. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to call. Our team can help you determine how urgently you need to be seen.

Should I go to the ER or an optometrist for an eye emergency?

For most eye emergencies — including corneal abrasions, eye infections, foreign body removal, and sudden vision changes — an optometrist is better equipped than a general emergency room. Our doctors specialize in ocular care and can provide more targeted treatment. However, if your eye injury involves severe trauma, call 911 or go to the nearest ER immediately.

What if my eye emergency happens after hours?

Call any Heffington’s location and follow the prompts for after-hours emergency assistance. Our answering service will connect you with guidance and, if necessary, direct you to emergency care.

Can I schedule a same-day appointment for an eye emergency online?

You’re welcome to use our online scheduling, but for emergencies we strongly recommend calling us directly. Same-day appointments are available, and calling ensures you reach us as quickly as possible.

Do you treat eye infections?

Yes. Our optometrists can evaluate and treat many common eye infections, including bacterial conjunctivitis and other conditions that require prescription medication. If you notice redness, discharge, or swelling, contact us promptly rather than waiting to see if it resolves on its own.