SpaMedica opens cataract centre in Scotland

SpaMedica has opened a new private specialist cataract surgery service in East Kilbride, marking the provider’s entry into Scotland for the first time.

The provider suggests the service will provide an additional treatment route for people requiring cataract care.

SpaMedica shared that around 19,000 people in Scotland are estimated to be waiting for cataract surgery.

Dr Alex Silvester, chief medical officer at SpaMedica, emphasised the “significant” impact that cataracts can have on daily life, sharing: “For many people, timely treatment can make a significant difference to their independence, confidence and quality of life.”

The company pointed to research suggesting that, as the population ages, the number of cataract operations required in the UK will increase by around 50% over the next 20 years.

Silvester said: “As Scotland’s population ages, ensuring people can access cataract treatment in a timely way will become increasingly important.”

“Our new specialist cataracts centre will give patients in Scotland an efficient and affordable way to access high-quality cataract care sooner, helping them to improve their vision while adding much-needed capacity outside the NHS,” he said.

The opening of the new service in East Kilbride marks SpaMedica’s first step in its planned expansion into Scotland.

SpaMedica, and the wider Veonet Group, have been providing cataract services in England, Wales and Northern Ireland for more than a decade, it said.