CHEC, one of the largest providers of community-based ophthalmology services in the UK, has marked a clinical milestone after treating the first surgical eye patients at its new treatment centre at the REAL Battersea clinic.
Working in partnership with the NHS, CHEC is helping to reduce waiting times in Battersea and the surrounding areas by making essential treatments more accessible in the community.
“The waiting time for cataract surgery in Battersea is currently 16.5 weeks. By choosing CHEC, patients can access treatment within just four weeks,” explains Jose Bailey, Commercial Director.
“Our treatment centre only opened in September, but having seen more than 180 patients already, we’re well on the way to making a positive contribution to waiting time reduction in the area. We’ve also hosted our first CPD, with our Clinical Director delivering a session on urgent eye conditions.”
One of the first patients to benefit from CHEC’s community cataract procedures was Mrs Frances Hindmarsh, aged 81 from Chiswick. Following the cataract surgery on her right eye, Mrs Hindmarsh has noticed how blue the sky is and is able to read again.
When asked about her experience being treated by CHEC at REAL Battersea, Mrs Hindmarsh said: “I have a phobia with eyes and could pass out at any time. I didn’t because everybody was so nice and kept me as calm as possible. I’m willing to put my trust in CHEC and I’m very happy with the whole journey. Thank you to everyone at CHEC.”
To learn more about the community-based treatments CHEC provides in partnership with the NHS, please visit www.chec.uk.