New SpaMedica eye hospital opens in Cambridge city centre

• New SpaMedica eye hospital will specialise in NHS cataract surgery, YAG laser capsulotomy, and treatment for wet AMD
• Patients can ask for a referral directly from their optician or GP
• 98% of patients who reviewed SpaMedica on the NHS website gave the provider a five-star rating

Residents of Cambridgeshire can access treatment for common eye conditions closer to home, thanks to the opening of a brand new, state-of-the-art eye hospital in Cambridge city centre.

SpaMedica, the country’s leading independent provider of NHS cataract surgery, is welcoming patients to its new hospital in Carlyle House on Carlyle Road, where patients can expect to be treated in as little as 4-8 weeks, compared to a national target of 18 weeks.

Joining 61 other SpaMedica hospitals across the country, the Cambridge site is equipped to deliver the highest quality of care to its patients, who will benefit from a free door-to-door transport service if they need assistance getting to and from their appointments. Complimentary parking is also available on site.

Since opening in 2008, SpaMedica has earned a reputation for excellence, with industry regulator the Care Quality Commission awarding every SpaMedica hospital it has inspected to date a ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ rating.

98% of patients who have reviewed SpaMedica on the NHS website have given the provider a five-star rating, including Mr Richmond, who had his cataract surgery at SpaMedica’s nearby Peterborough hospital last year.

Mr Richmond said: “I am enjoying the wonderful eyesight I now have. Thanks to all the staff for being so professional, so helpful and so kind. And a special thanks to my surgeon for making the experience quick and painless.”

11.4% of Cambridge’s residents are aged 65+, and with up to 30% of this age group likely to need cataract surgery in later life, thousands of people are set to benefit from the new hospital, which also specialises in treatment for wet AMD, and YAG laser capsulotomy for posterior capsule opacification.

Hospital manager Ashley Snelling said: “We’re delighted to open our new eye hospital in the heart of Cambridge city centre, and we’ll be working closely with the NHS to reduce local waiting times for treatment. We’re looking forward to helping Cambridgeshire residents to see more clearly again and I know our experienced team of healthcare professionals are committed to delivering the high-quality outcomes SpaMedica is known for.”

NHS patients who have been diagnosed with cataracts, wet AMD or posterior capsule opacification can ask for a referral to SpaMedica Cambridge through their local optician or GP.

Cataracts Symptoms

Patients may experience one or more of the following symptoms if they have cataracts:

• Blurred vision
• Difficulty driving at night
• Difficulty watching television and reading
• Being dazzled by sunlight and/or bright lights such as the headlights of an oncoming car
• Fading of colours
• Frequent changes to their spectacle or contact lens prescription

Patients who notice any changes to their vision should book an appointment with their optician, who will perform a thorough eye check and refer them for treatment if needed. In England, patients can choose which NHS provider they have cataract surgery with.