Local MP Visits Optegra Eye Clinic In West London and Backs Easier NHS Access

Optegra Eye Clinic West London welcomed Ruth Cadbury, MP for Brentford & Isleworth, to tour its advanced facilities and witness the impact of its NHS cataract services on the local community.

Since opening in July 2024, the clinic has carried out over 2,000 free NHS cataract procedures, significantly reducing waiting times and improving access to vital eye care. The clinic’s partnership with the NHS ensures that eligible patients can receive treatment within just weeks of referral, helping to ease pressure on local hospitals and deliver timely care.

Her visit also coincides 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.

Ruth Cadbury met with members of Optegra’s leadership team including Marketing Director James O’Shea and Commercial Director Adam Cockley, as well as Area Head of Clinical Services Fran Flaherty, clinical staff and patients currently undergoing treatment.

She praised the collaboration between Optegra and the NHS, highlighting its importance in maintaining accessible healthcare for West London residents.

Ruth 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.”

Optegra’s Adam Cockley added:

“James, the team and I were delighted to meet Ruth and welcome her to the clinic today.

“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 Ruth shares 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 West London clinic and providing their NHS treatment within just a few weeks of referral.”

Clinic Manager for Optegra Eye Clinic West London, Nimesh Jani, explained the cataract procedure:

“Cataracts affect around one in three adults aged over 65 years and are a natural age-related clouding of the lens of the eye. The only treatment option is a pain-free surgical procedure to remove the clouded lens and replace it with an artificial intra-ocular lens, which provides clear and bright vision.

“Many of our patients are surprised at how quick the procedure is and the enormous difference it makes – like seeing the world in HD! To have treatment at Optegra Eye Clinic West London, patients simply need to ask their optometrist or GP to refer them here."

Optegra Eye Health Care has performed over one million eye procedures across its 78 hospitals in the UK and Europe. It continues to be a trusted partner of the NHS, delivering more than 170,000 treatments annually.