A surgeon from Preston’s Community Eye Hospital has completed his 1,000th operation.

Dr Moemen Elnawawy has completed more than 1,000 cataract eye procedures in just seven months, since joining the Community Health and Eye Care (CHEC) team in July.

Having worked in eye care for 21 years, Dr Moemen travels across sites in Preston, Blackpool and Accrington, providing cataract surgery on community patients.

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CHEC Preston is based in Fulwood, opening its doors in 2021 and working in partnership with NHS England to give residents increased choice and improved access.

Dr Moemen said: “It’s been a brilliant first seven months with CHEC and to have conducted more than 1,000 surgeries in such a short space of time shows the demand there is for a service like ours. 

“My aim is to do anything I can to ensure CHEC continues meeting the target of treating cataract patients within four weeks. 

“Lowering waiting times is a priority of mine, as I fully acknowledge the difference that speedy access to such an important procedure can have on a person’s quality of life.”

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Mr Sweetman took the title of Dr Moemen’s 1,000th patient after receiving eye surgery within three weeks of being referred.

He said: “I was introduced to Dr Moemen in the pre-op room and although I was apprehensive about the procedure, his calm approach made me feel much more relaxed.

“He built my confidence further by explaining how the procedure would work, and when the operation was over, I was delighted to have been comfortable and pain-free throughout the experience.

“I have a huge appreciation for Dr Moemen, and congratulate him on reaching such a significant milestone in his career.”

Headquartered in Preston, CHEC has more than 20 hospitals throughout the UK.

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