OPTEGRA welcomes two local MPs to its NHS clinics

OPTEGRA welcomes two local MPs to its NHS clinics

Optegra Eye Health Care has welcomed two prominent local MPs to NHS cataract clinics in West London and York, and discussed the importance of the ongoing partnership between the independent sector and NHS to meet the needs of local patients.

Optegra Eye Clinic West London welcomed Ruth Cadbury, MP for Brentford & Isleworth, and Optegra Eye Clinic York hosted Luke Charters, MP for York Outer. Both toured the respective clinics’ advanced facilities and witnessed the impact of their NHS cataract services on the local community.

Since opening in July 2024, the West London clinic has carried out over 2,000 free NHS cataract procedures, whilst the York clinic, which opened in September 2023, has just hit a significant milestone of performing 5,000 procedures.

Both clinics have significantly reduced waiting times and improved access to vital eye care in their areas. The clinics’ partnership with the NHS ensures that eligible patients can receive treatment within weeks of referral, helping to ease pressure on local hospitals and deliver timely care.

The MP visits also coincide with Optegra launching drop-free cataract surgery for all NHS patients.  This innovation means that Optegra patients can reap the benefits of an injection during their procedure so that they do not need to apply four weeks of several different types of drops at various times of day.

During their visits, both MPs met key members of Optegra’s leadership team as well as clinical staff and patients currently undergoing treatment. They praised the collaboration between Optegra and the NHS, highlighting its importance in maintaining accessible healthcare for local residents.

Ruth Cadbury MP said:  “It’s clear from my visit today that there continues to be a great demand for cataract surgery in the area and I am pleased that Optegra is supporting the NHS and providing resource to help prevent waiting lists creeping up again.

“The facilities here at Hounslow, are first class and I was delighted to meet with the clinical team who are all so kind and compassionate. Services like this one are making it easier for my constituents to access NHS cataract treatment quickly and locally, enabling them to continue to live their lives to the full.”

Luke Charters MP said:  “It was a real pleasure to visit Optegra Eye Clinic, and meet the team, as they celebrated their remarkable milestone of 5,000 surgeries completed very recently.

“Their life-changing services have made a real difference to countless people across York, including members of my own family.“The services and technology they provide are exceptional, with patients at the heart of everything they do.

“I’m grateful for the dedication and care of the entire team and the positive impact they continue to make for thousands across York. The investment that Optegra has made in York is clearly making a difference for NHS patients in the local area.”

Optegra’s Commercial Director Adam Cockley added: “The leadership team were delighted to meet both Ruth and Luke, and welcome them to our clinics.

“We spoke openly about the pressures the NHS is placing on the sector with its current changes to care and its partnership with the independent sector, such as limiting patient referrals; and how this is negatively affecting patients. It was reassuring to hear that both MPs share our commitment to prioritising patient care above all else.

“Across England, we are eager to support the NHS and continue to be a dependable service helping patients avoid unnecessary waits for treatment. We are so pleased to be offering local people surgery at our clinics around the country and providing their NHS treatment within weeks of referral.”

In addition to NHS cataract services, the York clinic also offers private treatments including enhanced lens options and vision correction procedures. However, its core mission remains supporting the NHS in delivering fast, high-quality care to those who need it most.