Optegra eye hospital in Whiteley takes on NHS eye operations to help waiting lists

Optegra Eye Hospital Hampshire in Whiteley has been supporting the NHS to carry out essential eye surgery in the last year as staff continue to fight in the Covid-19 pandemic.

Latest NHS England figures show there are waiting lists with over 482,328 people in the UK waiting for ophthalmic surgery with 66 per cent of those have had to wait up to 18 weeks for surgery.

Kathryn Bryant, regional director for Optegra Hampshire, said: ‘We are incredibly proud to be working with local NHS trusts to provide cataract treatment, especially at a time when there is such unprecedented pressure on the NHS across the whole country.

‘We are thrilled to be able to help people in this way and ease this particular burden at such a difficult time for so many.’

Retired nurse, Eugenie Herridge from Stubbington, was one of thousands who needed urgent cataract surgery last year.

The 86-year-old, a former nurse in Queen Alexandra Hospital and Gosport War Memorial Hospital, had one eye treated in February just before the first national lockdown.

She said: ‘I was diagnosed with cataract years ago, and in December 2019, my optician said I was ready to have treatment. They referred me to the local hospital and I was lucky to have my worst eye treated in February.

‘But then lockdown happened, and so everything came to a standstill. Throughout the summer I really struggled as my one eye was now excellent, but the other eye seemed to be getting worse.

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‘It made me feel unbalanced really, and certain activities I love like crafts and reading were just impossible.

‘As the operation was delayed, by optician then let me know they could refer me to Optegra for my NHS treatment, and then I did not have to wait long.’

Eugenie had her operation in September last year.

She added: ‘The treatment was excellent and I am so grateful. I think it is marvellous that they are helping the NHS to provide this treatment.

‘There are so many waiting, it is far more than the NHS can handle and so it is wonderful that Optegra can help people, as they did with me.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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