Posted on 15th Oct
A new service launches in Newark this month to help the almost 10,000[1] people living with glaucoma in Nottinghamshire, many of whom require regular check-ups to monitor the condition, described as the ‘silent thief’ of sight.
SpaMedica Newark, which opened in September 2021, will offer screening and treatment to NHS patients from its state-of-the-art hospital on Balderton Gate from October.
It is part of a roll-out of specialist ophthalmic services by SpaMedica, which has seen glaucoma clinics open at 13 of its hospitals nationwide.
It’s estimated that more than 700,000 people in the UK have glaucoma, with the condition accounting for around 20% of all outpatient appointments[2] in hospital eye services. Worryingly, the number of people living with glaucoma is predicted to increase by almost a third between 2020-2035[3].
The new clinics introduced by SpaMedica since 2023 support NHS ambitions to allow more people to access treatments closer to home, and in their local community.
Claire Wood, clinical lead for Glaucoma at SpaMedica, a UK independent provider of NHS ophthalmology services, said: “Glaucoma can affect anyone, although the most common type of the disease – Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) – is more common as we age, rising from about two in 100 over the age of 40 to more than one in 20 in those aged 80-plus. Ethnicity and family history can also increase the likelihood of developing the disease.
“Unfortunately, some people experience no symptoms so are unaware they have it. Left undetected it can cause irreversible damage, which means regular eye tests – and treatment without delay – are crucial.
“The good news is we can offer NHS patients a fast-track referral service to our Newark hospital, so people can get the care they need locally.”
SpaMedica’s glaucoma care includes selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) as a first-line treatment for primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) where appropriate, as recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Patients’ vision is regularly reviewed once their condition is stable, with ongoing assessments by experienced clinical teams.
To find out more go to www.spamedica.co.uk
