MP visits Nottingham ACES clinic

Independent ophthalmology provider, ACES, hosted a visit from Nottingham South MP, Lilian Greenwood, to illustrate how services in the community are helping to reduce NHS waiting lists.

ACES is an independent provider of NHS ophthalmology services. The clinic in Nottingham opened in December 2024.

Greenwood visited the clinic on 6 February to meet clinical teams and hear more about the cataract surgery services.

During the visit, Greenwood, who is also Minister for Local Transport, highlighted how reducing delays in eye care is essential for the Government’s recently announced Road Safety Strategy.

This includes commitments to tackling sight-related factors in road traffic collisions, improving vision standards awareness, and ensuring older motorists access timely eye tests and treatment.

Commenting on the visit, Greenwood said: “It was great to see the exceptional work happening here at ACES. Improving access to eye care is not only vital for reducing NHS waiting lists, but also for supporting people to stay active, independent, and safe.”

She added: “Cataracts and other sight conditions can significantly increase the risk of falls, mobility issues and road accidents. It is clear that improving eye health – and ensuring people get treatment quickly – must be part of our approach to keeping everyone safe on our roads and in their communities.”

ACES suggested that the Nottingham clinic has helped to ease pressure on hospital ophthalmology departments, with access to the service in line with clinical need, meaning some patients have received surgery within 14 days.

The clinic is delivering care “significantly faster” than the national 18-week target, ACES said.

Dr Stephen Hannan, clinical services director for ACES, said: “We were delighted to welcome Lilian Greenwood MP to the clinic and show the impact our team has had over the past year.”

“By delivering timely cataract surgery in a community setting, we are not only improving patients’ vision and wellbeing but also helping reduce risks linked to sight impairment, including those highlighted in the Government’s new Road Safety Strategy. The quality of life improvement is evident from engaging with patients that utilise the service,” he continued.