Laser Eye Clinic Opens at Royal Hallamshire hospital

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has become the first centre in Sheffield to offer hospital based refractive laser eye surgery to fee paying as well as NHS patients. 

The Sheffield Vision Centre, based at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital opened earlier this year to help patients across the region overcome their short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism reducing their dependency on glasses or contact lenses.

Matthew Edwards, Consultant Ophthalmologist is leading the clinic along with a dedicated team of support and nursing staff.

“The new clinic will offer the highest quality of care available to patients on a fee paying basis as well as a small number of NHS patients with particular eye diseases. Hospital based clinics run by consultants have an obvious appeal for many people considering laser treatment and we know that many will only consider a centre that has the professionalism of a respected NHS hospital. The fact that the Sheffield Vision Centre will treat fewer numbers than other commercial centres also appeals to patients.

“Eyes are an extremely precious organ and people need to have absolute confidence in the surgeon treating them. Eye surgery is not like going to the supermarket; people need to have a clear understanding of the potential benefits and risks and to be sure they will receive the very best treatment”, explained Matthew.

“There are lots of good reasons for choosing laser eye surgery. If you have an active lifestyle or take part in sport you may want to reduce your need for glasses or contact lenses or you may want to take up a job which doesn’t allow you to wear glasses or of course it may just be for cosmetic reasons.”
Laser corrective procedures are not available on the NHS although patients who need laser surgery for medical reasons will be able to access all the advantages of a purpose built, aesthetically designed clinic.
“One of the main benefits for patients is that they will pay a one off fee which will cover their surgery and after care including additional treatment if required. This way, patients will be able to budget and know exactly what they are getting for their money without any unforeseen extras. We are also intending to offer interest free credit options.”

The Sheffield Vision Centre is able to offer a locally unique service where the patient will see their surgeon at every visit. This is distinct from the commercial providers, where people may only meet their surgeon on the day of treatment and even then only minutes before they undergo their procedure. Treatment at the Sheffield Vision Centre costs £1500 per eye which includes a ‘wavefront analysis’ and initial consultations are free.

Mr Arnie Singh from Sheffield had laser eye treatment in January 2008 operated on by Mr Edwards;
“It was a major decision for me, but once I had met the surgeon I had absolute confidence in the treatment. As a keen sportsman I was keen to get rid of my glasses and contact lenses. The treatment was over and done with in half an hour and I could see the benefits straight away; I could immediately read the time on the clock on the wall of the clinic which I hadn’t been able to do before. It was a bit sore for a few days but I can easily say it was one of the best decisions I have ever made; the post operative care is second to none and the personal service is excellent. I saw my consultant Dr Edwards at every visit”.

For further information on the sessions or any of the services offered, please call 0500 400 222 or visit www.sheffieldvisioncentre.co.uk

 


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