Australia is likely to be watching with interest as a British company’s “pioneering” approach to cataract surgery is trialled in the NHS.
For the first time in the UK, and possibly the world, ophthalmic business Optegra Eye Health Care is offering NHS patients a ground-breaking “treble” in cataract care that eliminates the need for post-operative eye drops.
As part of the initiative, patients are offered:
- Same-day treatment – pre-operative consultation and surgery on the same day.
- Bilateral surgery – treating both eyes in a single procedure.
- Revolutionary drop-free surgery.
In a media release, Optegra medical director and consultant ophthalmic surgeon Mr Alastair Stuart, said: “This pilot at our Hampshire hospital is our latest approach in putting patients’ care and experience as well as outcomes at the very centre of what we do.
“For many years now we have been providing high-volume cataract surgeries for the NHS with the lowest complication rates, but we don’t want to stand still.
“We are always looking at ways to innovate and improve our care for patients, and this approach has delivered the ultimate in convenience, as well as a medical advance which really is outstanding,” he said.
Stuart said that, normally after a cataract removal procedure, patients leave with a “rather intense” drop regime.
“They have four different types of drops which they need to take three or four times a day, for up to four weeks. This is quite a commitment and hassle for patients – in fact it is typically the only thing some patients have difficulty with.
“Due to medical advances, we are now able to apply a steroid injection as part of the surgical procedure, which eliminates the need for any drops whatsoever. This is revolutionary for patients’ post-operative care.
“On top of this, we have provided treatment for both eyes on the same day.”
The normal procedure for NHS patients is to have one eye treated and then return several weeks later for the second eye.
“By treating both eyes on one day – bilateral surgery – the patient leaves with excellent vision in both eyes, which immediately decreases risks of falls, etc,” he said.
“By completing the pre-operative diagnostic tests and consultation on the same day of treatment, patients have been delighted to reduce the number of visits to the hospital – especially if they have some distance to travel and are having to rely on friends or family to be available as the patient cannot drive themselves home.”
More reading
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