Optegra to open new clinic

Eye hospital group, Optegra, will open a new hospital specialising in NHS cataract treatment in the North East of England in September.

The facility will be able to see patients within weeks of being scheduled for treatment, Optegra suggests, highlighting that “with one in three UK adults expected to be diagnosed with cataract, and the delays caused by COVID-19, waiting lists for this surgery in the region are at an all-time high.”

The business has chosen to expand its network in the North East as it says it is a region where the local waiting list for cataract NHS surgery is at its highest level.

Currently the new clinic is being fitted and will include diagnostic and surgical space, allowing the hospital to offer all stages of cataract care, from pre-op testing once cataract has been diagnosed by a patient’s optician or GP, to surgery and post-op care either at the clinic or at the local optician if the patient prefers.

Javad Moayedi, ophthalmic consultant and NHS medical director at Optegra Group, said: “Throughout the pandemic, Optegra has supported various NHS trusts around the country to be able to perform cataract surgery, which has been an honour. It is wonderful to see the transformation this procedure can make in people’s lives.”

Optegra stated that once the clinic is open, a local person with cataract will be able to ask their GP or optician to refer them to Optegra Eye Clinic Newcastle.

Qualified operating practitioner, Marie Priest, has been appointed clinic manager. Speaking about the role, Priest commented: “I am excited to join Optegra because this is such a fantastic opportunity for local people. With cataract surgery waiting lists so high many have to wait for over a year for treatment, during which time the condition will get worse and further affect their quality of life.”

“This is the perfect time to open this new clinic and be able to offer this life-changing surgery within just weeks rather than months,” she added.