New cataract eye clinic opens in Bamber Bridge

Cllr Chris Lomax, Mayor of South Ribble Borough Council, cuts the ribbon with the local team, to officially open Optegra Eye Clinic Preston

A new NHS cataract clinic has opened in Preston, aiming to give people more choice and convenience.

Optegra Eye Clinic Preston, on Station Road, Bamber Bridge, opened on Monday (20 May).

The new clinic is part of Optegra Eye Health Care, a network of specialist eye hospitals and clinics across the UK and Europe which provide cataract and vision correction procedures.

Richard Armitage, NHS Director for Optegra Eye Health Care, said: “We are opening clinics in a series of new locations, and Preston is one of our key new clinic openings in 2024. We are delighted to be supporting existing ophthalmic services in the area.

“Optegra is a well-established network with five-star facilities and leading ophthalmic surgeons providing the highest standards of care. At this new clinic, we can commit to treatment within just four to six weeks of referral, giving patients more choice in their treatment journey and allowing access to short wait times.

“Cataract patients simply need to ask their optician or GP to refer them to Optegra Eye Clinic Preston and we look forward to welcoming them.”

Mayor and Mayoress Lomax on their visit to Optegra Eye Clinic Preston, welcomed by Optegra’s Business Development Director, Robert Pilling.

Councillor Chris Lomax, Mayor of South Ribble Borough Council officially opened the new clinic and cut the ribbon.

He said: “I am so pleased to be opening this new clinic that is offering free NHS cataract procedures to those in need.

“We all rely on our vision and having this clinic with specialists on-site on our doorstep will help so many people regain their independence through improved vision and also reduce waiting lists. I am impressed with the high-quality facilities and caring team.”

The clinic will feature the latest surgical equipment and will also provide new jobs for local people, both administrative and clinical.

Optegra consultant surgeon Mr Muel-Gonzalez will be leading cataract surgery at Optegra Eye Clinic Preston and will be supported by clinic manager Mr Sohail Bhula and optometrist Mr Mohib Tahir.

Sohail said: “After ten years managing optometry practices, I understand optometrists’ needs and I am looking forward to being able to support them with timely care for their patients, and excellent service.

“For local patients, it is great that we can give them increased freedom of opportunity and informed choice to select where they want to go for their cataract surgery. I am looking forward to meeting them and helping them on their journey to clear vision.”

The full address is Optegra Eye Clinic Preston, 175-177 Station Road, Bamber Bridge, Preston PR5 6LA.

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