Are you waiting for Cataract Surgery?
“One-Stop Cataract Service” Consultation & Surgery on the Same day
CATARACT surgery is the most common surgical procedure performed in the UK. In normal circumstances, an estimated 480,000 operations takes place each year. The Covid-19 pandemic however has put considerable stress on the NHS which has resulted in the reduction of provision of eye services with many patients now on very long waiting lists for treatment.
What is a cataract?
Cataracts develop with increasing age. The originally transparent focussing lens of the eye becomes hard over time, necessitating the need for reading glasses. Ultimately lens transparency decreases resulting in blurry vision, especially in low lighting conditions. Cataracts can also cause halos and starbursts most noticeable when driving at night.
Impact of a visually significant cataract
Scientific studies have shown that a reduction in vision does not only affect quality of life, but also increases the risk of falling and can also contribute to dementia. Studies have shown that reduced vision is associated with reduced cognition, in other words the ability to reason and understand. A more recent study by researchers in Seattle in the United States revealed those who had cataract surgery were 30% less likely to develop dementia. Undertaking cataract surgery in the early stages of visual impairment makes a big difference to patients’ safety. Understanding the impact of cataract on the increasing elderly population, Centre for Sight in East Grinstead as a service to the public, commenced a private reduced cost “One Stop Cataract Service” providing consultation and surgery on the same day. Launched a year ago this has been very popular for patients and relatives reducing the need to take time off work for multiple visits.
One-Stop Cataract surgery performed is similar to that provided by the NHS. The cloudy cataract lens is removed and replaced with a synthetic monofocal lens. Treatment is performed at dedicated standalone state of the art eye surgery units in East Grinstead, West Sussex and Oxshott Surrey.
Will glasses be needed after surgery?
Centre for Sight surgeons endeavour to provide patients with optimal vision with, as far as it is possible, good distance vision. The ONE-STOP initiative does not include use of multifocal/trifocal lenses or lenses with built-in astigmatism (toric implants). While these can be made available, inclusion requires more detailed testing, evaluation, consultation, and counselling. This unfortunately comes at an additional cost with a requirement for special order lenses and thus not included in the One-Stop initiative.
Is a referral required?
Although preferred, no formal referral from an optometrist or GP is required. Centre for Sight staff are able to guide those interested through the process with a series of questions and if suitable can be booked in for an appointment. This option is ideal for those who are currently on a waiting list for cataract surgery.
A spokesperson for Centre for Sight comments: “As members of the community, we at Centre for Sight feel we have a responsibility to provide an affordable alternative which gives patients the option of receiving high-quality cataract surgery in the shortest timeframe possible, so that they can get on with their lives.”
About Centre for Sight
Centre for Sight was established 25 years ago by an eye surgeon with the mission of providing the best possible eye care in the UK. Aware of the limitations of eye care provision in private hospitals, the founder felt compelled to establish a “Centre for Excellence” to provide patients with world class medical and surgical eye care and personalised treatment, as well as to set standards for laser eye surgery. The organisation has grown phenomenally and now has three locations: London, Surrey and Sussex. The Centre draws referrals from all over the world, including the USA, Canada, the Middle East, Africa and the Far East and includes many international politicians, and other high value individuals. Centre for Sight has developed an outstanding reputation continues to lead the UK in advances in technology and eye care.