Red or sticky eye
A red or sticky eye? Find out whether it can be safely assessed online. Quinn checks for pain, strong light sensitivity and vision change, then a clinician advises on care.
- No appointment or video call
- NZ clinician reviewed
- Pay only if approved
What to expect
Talk to Quinn, our AI assistant. A NZ clinician reviews your history and decides your care.
- For a simple red or sticky eye, a clinician can explain eye care and whether treatment is useful
- A clear photo of the affected eye is required before this consultation can be submitted
- Pain, vision change, strong light sensitivity or another warning sign needs urgent eye assessment
Is this service right for me?
Start an online assessment if…
- The main features are redness and discharge without eye pain, strong light sensitivity or vision change
- There has been no eye injury, chemical exposure or redness spreading around the eye
Use another service first if…
- Eye pain, strong light sensitivity, blurred or reduced vision
- Injury, chemical exposure, marked swelling or redness spreading around the eye
When to get care sooner
Some symptoms need urgent or in-person care.
See a doctor today if you…
- develop eye pain
- notice any change in vision
- notice strong light sensitivity
See your GP if you…
- aren't improving after 7 days
About red or sticky eye
Conjunctivitis is redness and irritation of the thin layer covering the white of the eye. Infection or allergy can cause it. The eye is often watery or sticky.
- A red or irritated eye with watery or sticky discharge
- Lids that are crusted or stuck together, often without true eye pain or vision loss
How your online consultation works
No appointment or video call to book. See the current clinician review time before you start.
- Tell QuinnDescribe your concern in your own words. Quinn, our AI assistant, gathers the information for your clinician.
- Clinician reviewA registered NZ clinician reviews your history and decides your care. They may ask for more detail.
- Receive your careApproved documents are saved in My care. Any prescription goes to your chosen pharmacy.
Keep your usual GP. You choose whether to share your approved consultation summary with your usual practice.
What we’ll ask about
Answer naturally. Quinn follows up on what matters to your situation, using these topics for the assessment.
- Which eye is affected, discharge, itch, redness and how symptoms began
- Pain, strong light sensitivity, vision change, facial spread, injury or chemical exposure
- Age, medicines, allergies and relevant health history
Frequently asked questions
Is conjunctivitis contagious?
Yes, bacterial and viral conjunctivitis can spread through contact with discharge from the eye, for example on hands, towels or pillowcases. That's why washing your hands often and not sharing these items helps.
Can it affect one eye or both?
It can start in one eye and spread to the other, particularly with viral conjunctivitis, which often follows a cold.
What's the difference between bacterial and viral conjunctivitis?
Bacterial conjunctivitis usually causes thicker, sticky discharge, while viral conjunctivitis tends to be more watery and often comes with a cold. The pattern helps a clinician decide on the right care.
Fees and practical details
Your consultation fee is shown before submission. Your card is charged only if care is approved; medicine and pharmacy costs are separate.