Colchester MP visits Optegra NHS cataract clinic

Pam Cox, MP for Colchester, visited the Optegra eye clinic in her constituency this month (Monday 4 August).

Cox visited the specialist eye hospital’s NHS cataract clinic, which has provided cataract care to 3000 patients since it opened in February 2024.

During the visit, Cox met with Optegra’s marketing director, James O’Shea, and commercial director, Adam Cockley, as well as patients and clinical staff.

“The investment Optegra has made in Colchester is already helping thousands of local people to receive timely access to cataract surgery as well as specialist advice on their eye health,” Cox said.

“While there continues to be great demand for cataract surgery, I am pleased Optegra and the NHS have an agreement to provide quick, free access to treatment in our city – this is a vital partnership to ensure waiting lists do not creep up again.”

Pam Cox MP visits Optegra Colchester’s NHS cataract clinic

Optegra

Optegra

Optegra

Pam Cox MP receiving an eye test, visiting the operating theatre, and with surgeon, Mr Mahmoud Radwan, during her visit to Optegra Colchester

The hospital’s aims are to help reduce NHS waiting times for cataract surgery and improve access to eye care. Eligible patients can receive surgery at the clinic within six weeks of referral, Optegra said.

Optegra Colchester also offers private treatments, including enhanced lens options and vision correction procedures, alongside its NHS cataract work.

Cox added: “It has been great to see the difference this eye clinic is making for NHS patients in Colchester.

“From touring the clinic today, I can see that patients who are referred here are experiencing the highest quality facilities with excellent patient care and impressive outcomes.”

She noted that “Services like this one are making it easier for my constituents to access NHS cataract treatment quickly and locally, enabling them to continue to live their lives to the full.”

Cockley said that “It was reassuring to hear that she [Cox] shares our commitment to prioritising patient care above all else.”

He added: “Across England, we are eager to support the NHS and continue to be a dependable service helping patients avoid unnecessary waits for treatment.”