Manchester eye hospital opens diagnostic clinic in Stockport

Specialist eye hospital Optegra Eye Hospital Manchester is launching a series of diagnostic clinics in areas across the city-region, including in Stockport.

In response to high demand for NHS cataract surgery, the Didsbury-based hospital is opening diagnostic clinics in four other boroughs of Greater Manchester, including at Bredbury Medical Centre, Stockport. Patients will then only need to travel to the hospital site for the surgery itself. Follow-up consultations will also either be at the patient’s regular community optometrist or via Optegra AI.

Christa Gore, optometrist at Optegra Eye Hospital Manchester, will be one of the team running these clinics, and said:

“The whole process of cataract surgery is very straight-forward for the patient, and the brief, pain free procedure really can transform vision and quality of life. 

“By opening these four new regional diagnostic clinics, we are making the process even easier. On a logistical level, patients can book in at their nearest clinic – which will be in an NHS facility or private GP practice, with the convenience of being close to home.

“At the appointment we will talk through the procedure, answer any questions they have and importantly run some thorough eye tests to check the health of the eye and ensure the patient is suitable for cataract surgery.”

Robert Pilling, Optegra Business Development Director, said:

“These optometrist-led clinics will provide a convenient and accessible service in the regions surrounding our Manchester hospital.

“This launch follows on from Optegra’s commitment to supporting the NHS and reducing the long waiting lists which we saw post-Covid.  We have opened a series of dedicated NHS cataract clinics around the UK, and are now extending our service even further with these local clinics NHS Cataract Diagnostic Clinics.

“When a patient is referred to us for cataract treatment, it is excellent that we now have more locations to offer for them to begin their treatment journey at their convenience and closer to home.

“This means we continue to have an opportunity to help patients avoid unnecessary waits for this essential, life-enhancing surgery.”