Eye Problem - Tearing and squinting

Hello,

I normally don't do things like this but a lot of circumstances are at play now and I'm trying to figure things out.

I began to notice my kitty was tearing a bit in one eye. The surrounding skin is a little red also. I am not sure what it is because it started about three weeks ago but I began a new job and I haven't been able to line up a vet appointment that will cooperate with my schedule (Even two weeks in advance!). I clean the discharge off when I'm home but it still hasn't cleared up.

He eats normally, drinks normally... And is still playful and affectionate as always.

I am coming here not for a diagnosis but rather opinions. In less than a week, I'll be moving into my first rental property and money is tight due to this being extremely sudden and I work part-time. The vet I normally go to is thorough and knows his stuff. There is another vet, however, that is much less expensive but not as good - he is good for minor bumps and yearly vaccines but not so much anything vague or urgent. So I am wondering if this situation seems minor enough that the less expensive vet could probably deal with it? It helps that he is also no appointment needed, so I can take Milo in on my day off instead of fighting with my work and the vet to make a date work.

Thank you in advance for all input and opinions!

Personally, I wouold take her in asap to the vet who can give you an appointment soonest. It is likely to be an infection which will need a topical antibiotic and it will not clear up on its own. On the other hand, it is probably not a complicated issue, so any competent vet will be able to give you the right stuff. If, after getting an ointment or eye drops and the infection not clearing up in a few days, then you could take her to the other vet. There are a few conditions that might require more complicated treatment including a biopsy, and I would not do that unless I had full trust in my vet. Eyes are precious and need looking after.