NHS cataract surgery at Optical Express
How the UK & Ireland’s leading refractive provider is helping reduce waiting lists
We’re all aware that the NHS is under increasing pressure, and that waiting lists for surgery can now be months rather than weeks. Behind every statistic is a patient whose life is on hold until they can have their longed-for procedure.
Patients with cataracts can find that they lose confidence and independence, which can have a devastating effect on their general wellbeing and mental health. Not only that, but restricted vision can lead to trips and falls, particularly in the elderly, and that places more strain on the system.
In recent months Optical Express has been working in partnership with the NHS to help reduce cataract surgery waiting times within the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area of Scotland.
Hundreds of patients who have been waiting for many months for the surgery that will transform their lives have visited the state-of-the-art Optical Express clinic in central Glasgow, where the advanced technology available includes diagnostic equipment such as the Zeiss IOL Master 700 biometer. Stephen Hannan, Clinical Services Director at Optical Express, said, “Our investment in diagnostic technology brings better outcomes for our patients undertaking intraocular lens procedures, and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to delivering the highest quality of eye care.”
After initially attending their pre-operative consultation with a Specialist Refractive Optometrist, the patients then returned to have a discussion with their Ophthalmic Surgeon before proceeding to undergo cataract surgery.
“Through our partnership with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Optical Express was able to treat a significant number of patients who had been waiting some time for their cataract surgery. In turn, this has reduced waiting times for other NHS patients currently listed for cataract surgery within the Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board,” Stephen said. “It’s been a privilege to be able to help people who would otherwise have had the misery of waiting for months for their procedure. We are pleased to say the feedback we have received from the patients treated at Optical Express has been very positive. Similarly, positive words have come from the Health Board themselves.
“We look forward to working in partnership with the NHS going forward, and to helping more patients rediscover the joy of vision without cataracts.”
Find out how Optical Express intraocular lens and cataract surgery outcomes compare to the NHS.
