SpaMedica Launches Glaucoma Service
We are excited to announce the launch of our new glaucoma service, offering NHS patients faster access to assessments, monitoring, and treatment. Our service is now live at SpaMedica Sale, SpaMedica Manchester, SpaMedica Worcester, SpaMedica Chester, and SpaMedica Haydock, with plans to expand further throughout 2025.
Comprehensive Care with a Fast-Track Referral Pathway
Our approach follows National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines, ensuring best-practice treatment options, including selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) as a first-line treatment for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) where appropriate. Patients will receive ongoing monitoring once their condition is stable, ensuring they get the care they need when they need it.
There are currently over 700,000 people living with glaucoma in the UK, and glaucoma accounts for around 20% of all outpatient appointments in hospital eye services1. Between 2020-2035, the number of people living with glaucoma is expected to increase by almost a third2, and healthcare professionals have expressed concern about whether the sector has sufficient resources to meet the increase in demand.
Addressing the Growing Need for Glaucoma Treatment
A 2023 survey of UK optometrists highlighted the growing concern around treatment delays, with 72% reporting patients experiencing waits of 12 months or more, and nearly half (43%) concerned about avoidable sight loss due to delays3.
Claire Wood, Clinical Lead Optometrist (Glaucoma) at SpaMedica, explains:
“It’s vital that NHS patients are able to access care when they need it and we know that, for conditions like glaucoma, time is of the essence and regular monitoring is essential. That’s why we’re proud to be working in close partnership with the NHS and community optometrists to ensure patients receive high-quality care, as quickly as possible.”
Claire continues: “Our glaucoma service will be an all-in-one solution for many patients with primary open-angle glaucoma – offering diagnostics, a variety of treatment options, and regular check-ups. We plan to bring the service to more hospitals soon and hope to see a significant improvement in the accessibility of glaucoma services across England as a result.”
Supporting Optometrists with Free CPD Learning
To mark the launch, we are offering a series of free CPD sessions for community optometrists. To find out more and register for an event near you, click here.
A Commitment to Excellence
Since opening in 2008, we have built a strong reputation for excellence, with all our inspected hospitals rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). We are also proud to have received thousands of five-star patient reviews on the NHS website.
Optometrists wishing to refer their patients to SpaMedica’s glaucoma service should follow the referral pathway specified by their local ICB.
We remain committed to improving accessibility and ensuring that patients across England have access to specialist glaucoma treatment as part of our ongoing mission to enhance eye health services.
References:
1 Source: New report details the impact of the pandemic on Britain’s vision | Glaucoma UK
3 Source: Hundreds left with lost or damaged eyesight after NHS delays – research | Health | The Guardian